By Kandyce Hylick, MPH

In September 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its latest report on maternal mortality in the U.S., noting in their press release, “Four in five pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable.” The report highlighted that the leading causes of pregnancy-related maternal mortality are mental health conditions. The CDC defines deaths due to mental health conditions as suicide and overdose/poisoning related to substance use disorder at 23% of deaths.

When accounting for race, maternal mental health conditions were the leading underlying cause of death among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White populations.

Pregnancy-related deaths include deaths that occur during pregnancy and up to one year after pregnancy, and data from this report shows that 80% of those deaths can be avoided.

Timing of Maternal Deaths

According to the report, over 50% of pregnancy-related deaths happened seven days after delivery to one-year postpartum. Additionally, 22% occurred during pregnancy, and 25% occurred on the day of delivery or within seven days postpartum. In addition to mental health conditions, other causes of death include cardiac, infection, and excessive bleeding.

The top causes of Maternal Mortality:

Mental health conditions (23%)
Excessive bleeding (14%)
Cardiac and coronary conditions (13%)
Infection (9%)

On average, maternal mental health disorders impact 1 in 5 of those who are pregnant or postpartum, with rates often being significantly higher in minority populations.¹ Each year, more than 600,000 will suffer from a maternal mental health disorder in the U.S.² Unfortunately, less than 15% of people receive treatment.³

The CDC press release highlights the need to make maternal mortality and morbidity a priority, focusing on maternal mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Learn more about maternal suicide and find resources to prevent and treat mothers facing maternal suicidality here.