Calif. officials find rise in maternal mortality

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Maternal mortality is on the rise in California, with African-American mothers roughly four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women in any other racial or ethnic groups, state health officials reported Tuesday.

The overall rate of maternal deaths in 1999 was eight per 100,000 live births, and by 2008 that number had risen to 14 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to a California Department of Public Health study.

In a breakdown, the maternal mortality rate among African-American women was 36.1 per 100,000 live births, compared to 9.6 for white women and 8.5 for Hispanic women in 2008.

Low-income and women with less education were also more likely to face deadly complications in childbirth.

At least a third of the increase can be attributed to better tracking and reporting, according to the study.

The long-awaited state report was deemed necessary in 2004, and this year’s release focuses on maternal deaths in 2002 and 2003. During the next three years, 2004 to 2007 will be examined, said Mike Sicilia, a spokesman for the state health department.

The study found that a number of factors affect maternal mortality, including the increasing age of mothers and the prevalence of maternal chronic conditions such as obesity.

Cesarean section delivery rates have been rising at the same time as increases in maternal morbidity, the study noted.

C-sections are surgical procedures with higher risks of complications such as infection, bleeding or blood clots when compared to vaginal births. There is also increased risk for complications in subsequent births after a C-section.

The study also faults social factors, such as low levels of social support, lower socio-economic status and chronic exposure to stressors like racism.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.