You’ve seen the graphs that show the high rate of a VTE (venous thromboembolism) on those hormonal birth control packet inserts? The reason that risk is shown is because women can have serious life threatening medical emergencies during pregnancy and in the period after delivery. Although we share information about the risks of combination hormonal birth control, we want to remind you that the risk of being pregnant is just as real. Please use the most effective and safest birth control you can find if you are not ready to get pregnant.
This information is from the CDC and can be accessed by going to CDC Pregnancy Deaths
Pregnancy-Related Deaths
The death of a woman during pregnancy, at delivery, or soon after delivery is a tragedy for her family and for society as a whole. Sadly, about 650 women die each year in the United States as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes. These changes are entrirely normal, but may become very important in case there are complications or problems. A pregnancy-related death is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy from a pregnancy complication, a chain of events initiated by pregnancy, or the aggravation of an unrelated condition by the physiologic effects of pregnancy.
What can women do to prevent a pregnancy-related death?
Many factors influence pregnancy-related health outcomes. It is important for all women of reproductive age to adopt healthy lifestyles (e.g., maintain a healthy diet and weight, be physically active, quit all substance use for good, prevent injuries) and address any health problems before getting pregnant. Visit your health care provider at recommended scheduled time periods to discuss if or when you are thinking about getting pregnant. This is important to make sure you receive appropriate medical advice and care, and have healthy pregnancies.
A healthy pregnancy begins before conception and continues with prenatal care, with early recognition and management of complications if they arise. Health care providers can help women prepare for pregnancy and for any potential problems during pregnancy. Early initiation of prenatal care by pregnant women, and continuous monitoring of pregnancy by health providers, are key to preventing pregnancy-related complications and death.
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