How to Support Your Loved One During Pregnancy

From early pregnancy through recovery, Care Partners are critical.

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of all developed countries in the world. California is the safest state to give birth and Louisiana is the most dangerous.

Many pregnancy complications can be prevented by providing good health care during pregnancy, and enlisting midwives for guidance and care. Hospital safety plays a big part, too.

Some things to keep in mind…

    • Persons of color, especially black mothers, have been more likely to die than white mothers during pregnancy and childbirth
    • Those age 40+ (all races) are most at risk
    • More than 50% of pregnancy-related deaths occur the day after birth.
Illustration of a pregnant woman with her doctor, signifying the importance of good health care during pregnancy to prevent complications.

Other causes of pregnancy-related death (in order) are:

    • Heart disease
    • Infection (especially sepsis)
    • Severe bleeding
    • Heart muscle disease
    • Blood clots
    • High blood pressure
    • Stroke
    • Amniotic fluid embolism
    • Anesthesia complications

Whether you are the dad-to-be, best friend, mother, auntie, or any other relation to a mom-to-be, use our simple checklists to be the best Care Partner you can be.