Hundreds of women die preventable deaths of complications from pregnancy each year in the United States, even weeks or months after childbirth, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health experts say recognizing contributing factors such as racial disparities and working toward solutions are key in saving lives.

 

The CDC confirmed in a report released Tuesday that about 700 women die each year in the United States from cardiovascular conditions, infections, hemorrhages and other complications related to their pregnancies — up to a year after delivering their babies. In about 60 percent of the cases, the deaths could have been prevented, in part, with proper medical intervention, as well as better access to it, the researchers noted.

 

“The bottom line is that too many women are dying largely preventable deaths associated with their pregnancies,” Anne Schuchat, CDC’s principal deputy director, said Tuesday during a news call. “We have the means to identify and close gaps in the care they receive.”