A new study conducted by Northwestern Medicine has highlighted a concerning trend of increasing maternal mortality rates in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, the study found that this rise cannot be solely attributed to older maternal age, as maternal mortality rates have increased across every age group.

Published on March 18 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, this groundbreaking study sheds light on the urgency of addressing this growing public health crisis. The researchers analyzed data from the National Vital Statistics System, focusing on maternal deaths and live births among individuals aged 15 to 44 years old.

Between 2014 and 2021, the average age of mothers in the U.S. increased from 28.3 to 29.4 years old. However, during the same period, the overall maternal mortality rates nearly doubled, rising from 16.5 to 31.8. The most significant spike occurred between 2019 and 2021 when rates soared from 18.9 to 31.8.

Dr. Sadiya Khan, the corresponding author of the study and an associate professor of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, expressed concern over the alarming increase in maternal mortality rates among younger adults aged below 35. The findings debunk the widely-held assumption that older maternal age is solely responsible for the rise in deaths during childbirth.

While the study could not pinpoint specific causes of death, a substantial body of prior research, including studies led by Dr. Khan, has shown that cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertensive disorders, heart failure, and stroke, contribute significantly to poor maternal health outcomes.

Dr. Khan emphasized the importance of understanding the root causes of these deaths and implementing preventive measures, as maternal deaths are largely preventable. Although some states, like Illinois, have established maternal mortality review committees, there is a pressing need for improved national infrastructure and surveillance programs to address the rising maternal health crisis.

To ensure accuracy in data collection, the study authors excluded seven states -Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia- from their analysis. These states had not adopted the checkbox on death certificates introduced in 2003 to capture pregnancy-related deaths.

Despite ongoing debates about the validity of the observed increase, the study's findings present a clear acceleration in maternal mortality rates, reinforcing the urgency to address this issue promptly. While limitations in data capture from death certificates exist, they remain the best source available to track this public health crisis.

The study also acknowledged the need to investigate the role of racial disparities in maternal mortality rates. Shockingly, black individuals are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white individuals. Future research efforts will focus on exploring this issue more comprehensively.

The study received funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, highlighting the importance of continued support in addressing the maternal health crisis gripping the United States.