Question

Week 1 Discussion The landscape of birth in the United States is dismal in comparison with other countries in the world. The US rate for maternal mortality is the highest rate of all industrialized countries in the world. Discuss your perspective on why the rates of birth complications and maternal and infant mortality are so high. Also present one possible solution to reducing these rates of risk and death, In order to answer this question effectively, you need to view the TED Talk How racism harms pregnont women - and what con help and examine other resources suggested here. You should also consult at least one peer-reviewed journal article and include, and appropriately cite, that work in your discussion posts Sources to Consider

Answer 1

Maternal mortality is the death of the pregnant woman during labor, delivery, termination of pregnancy or some days after childbirth. The US rate of maternal mortality is the highest in the world as compared to other countries. According to a WHO report in 2015, the MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) has doubled in the United States and three times higher than the neighboring states.

The following are the reasons for the high maternal mortality rate in the US:

1). Postpartum hemorrhage: It means loss of blood during childbirth due to excessive bleeding. This can be caused by placenta accreta (detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall), uterine rupture, uterine atony (when the uterine fails to contract after delivery), etc.

2). High blood pressure: High blood pressure or hypertension can cause pre-eclampsia which means not working of liver and kidneys may lead a pregnant woman to a coma stage after delivery causing death.

3). Infection: Women can get infections on unhygienic conditions which may also lead to death.

4). Age factor: Young girls under the age of 15 have a greater chance of complications which may lead to death.

5). Lack of resources: Due to lack of resources, it is difficult to get medical care for poor women.

6). Racism: African American women suffer the most as they don't get the support and care as compared to white women.

Solutions to reduce the rates of risk and death:

1). Education: Young women should be educated about reproduction, birth control, and the risks of unprotected sex.

2). Cleanliness: The knowledge of good hygiene practices help to prevent infection.

3). Care during pregnancy: Before and during childbirth, a skilled health provider can prevent complications which can lead to a safe birth.

4). Availability of resources: The government and health organizations should help poor women to get access to resources easily.

5). Avoid Discrimination: Racism should not be considered as an important factor in the case of pregnant women. Humanity and mankind should be given importance.