FOX4: Maternal Welfare Advocates React to CDC Report on Uptick in Moms Dying During Pregnancy

May 10, 2019

A new report by the CDC says mothers are dying during pregnancy and childbirth at alarming rates. 

More than 50,000 women suffer serious complications during this time, and 700 die each year. However, a majority of them are preventable.

FOX4 talked to Dr. Karen Florio at Saint Luke's Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists about what is causing the majority of these deaths and why.

"When I came here, I was astounded by the number of women who have cardiovascular disease in pregnancy," Florio said. "Part of it is in our health care. Women are older now when they're having their first baby. They're sicker. Obesity rates are going up."

Watch the full story below.

Related Content

Thumbnail
Feb. 13, 2017
KC Star: Saint Luke's Program Helps Pregnant Women with Heart Disease
Women with underlying heart conditions face increased risk of complicated pregnancies. The Heart Conditions in Pregnancy Program through Saint Luke's Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists has the knowledge and experience these women need to have a safer pregnancy.