positive pregnancy test (property of Missourinet)
(Jefferson City, MO) — A report is shedding light on the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services report includes data from 2018 thru 2022. The Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board (PMRB) found mental health issues, including substance abuse disorders, to be the leading cause of deaths among pregnant women during that time period. The report finds cardiovascular disease was the second leading cause. There were 350 pregnancy-related deaths during the four-year period reviewed.
The report found an average of 70 Missouri women died while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy each year over 5 years (2018-2022), with the highest number recorded in 2020 (85 deaths).
The report found the mortality rate for Black women to be more than twice has high as the ratio for white women, although researchers say the numbers have improved over the past three reports. The study also found 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable.
The study also found women living in micropolitan counties had the highest ratio of pregnancy-related deaths (38.7 per 100,000 live births).
The report also includes recommendations by the Board for a variety of stakeholders including lawmakers and health care providers.
