A new study highlights a worrying increase in maternal health problems and birth complications in Illinois, driven by chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetesAnd obesity. These findings highlight significant racial and economic disparities, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve maternal health outcomes.

The research, published in the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology Open, analyzed more than 988,000 births at 127 Illinois hospitals from January 2016 to June 2023. The study found that deteriorating health before pregnancy is a major factor in poor maternal condition among women of reproductive age. Result.

– Severe maternal illness: Rates increased from 1.4 percent to 2 percent.

– Obesity: Rates tripled, from 7.8 percent in 2016 to 22.3 percent in 2023.

– Delivery complications: Vaginal delivery complications increased by 22.4 percent, while cesarean birth complications increased by 48.9 percent.

– Chronic conditions: Gestational diabetes (4.2 percent to 5 percent), depression (2.5 percent to 6.6 percent), anxiety (3.1 percent to 10.4 percent), and other chronic diseases (4.7 percent to 7.5 percent) also increased.

– Impact on younger mothers: Chronic conditions were not limited to older mothers, with rates increasing among mothers under 30 as well.

Research shows a significant racial and economic gap in maternal health. Black mothers experienced more than twice the rate of serious complications compared to white mothers. Women from poor neighborhoods faced higher risks of maternal health problems, regardless of race.

“These findings demonstrate the important role of social determinants of health, such as race and income, in widening disparities,” said co-author Dr. Lin Yi, an associate professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Efforts to reduce maternal morbidity must address racial disparities and economic hardship.”

how to reduce pregnancy risks,

Experts stressed the importance of addressing ex-pregnancy Health to reduce complications. Women planning to conceive should undergo pre-pregnancy screening and manage chronic conditions. “Pre-conception counseling is important to optimize health conditions before pregnancy,” said Dr. Mugdha Mokashi, lead author of the study.

In addition to individual care, policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels are needed to improve maternal and child outcomes. These include:

Expanding access to doulas: Trained birth professionals can provide emotional and physical support to mothers during labor.

Patient Navigator Programs: These initiatives help mothers access health care and resources more effectively.

Addressing poverty: Policies to reduce economic hardship can reduce maternal health disparities.

Improving quality of care: Improved health care standards for mothers and babies can help reduce complications.

Lifestyle changes for expectant mothers

Women should consider the following steps to reduce the risk of complications:

– Maintain a healthy weight: Adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the risks related to obesity.

– Manage chronic conditions: Monitor and treat conditions high blood pressure And diabetes under medical guidance.

– Get preconception counseling: Work with healthcare providers to assess and address health concerns before pregnancy.

– Access support networks: Take advantage of resources like community health programs, support groups, and trained doulas.

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