While the number of deaths is still relatively low at about 17.8 deaths per 1,000, it is high for a wealthy country. This number has risen from 10.0 deaths per 1,000 in 1990. The increased number of deaths has only occurred in eight countries in the world.
Some suspected reasons for the rising maternity deaths include, according to the article, the fact that today’s pregnant women are "older, sicker, and heavier than they used to be." These problems are apt to raise the risk of higher blood pressure, hemorrhage, and stroke.
It is also probable that they will have less of a maternal education and the right kind of health insurance. Some medical groups are starting to try and combat the problem of maternity deaths by providing health checks and care for the entire family, and not just for the mother.
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Source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/clinic-saves-moms-lives-by-focusing-on-familes-video/
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Graphics: Mine
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Keywords: maternity deaths, pregnant women, deaths