Maternal mortality in the US at a glance
Maternal death while rare is a serious public health concern in the United States. Each year, hundreds of women die during pregnancy or within roughly one year after the end of a pregnancy, and thousands experience severe complications that almost lead to death. These deaths are often preventable and reflect structural inequities in care. Understanding how often these deaths occur, who is most affected, and the leading causes helps communities and clinicians focus prevention efforts. This evergreen explainer uses the latest available data to answer how common pregnancy-related deaths are in the US and how they are measured over time.
How often women die in childbirth in the US
The most commonly cited national estimate is about 23 to 24 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births, measured across recent years. In practical terms, this translates into roughly 700 to 800 maternal deaths annually in the United States. Not every death is captured consistently, so rates and counts can vary depending on the data source and timing. Disparities are large and persistent: Black women are approximately two to three times more likely to die compared with white women, even when education and income are considered. Rural residents and some immigrant communities also face elevated risks.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type | Estimate or Range | Context | Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy-related mortality ratio (national) | 23–24 deaths per 100,000 live births | CDC PMSS and national reports (recent multiyear averages) | CDC and national vital statistics | Approximately 700–800 maternal deaths annually | National baseline for comparison and tracking change | Multiyear averages (e.g., 2018–2021 or similar) | Provides a stable estimate while accounting for year-to-year variation |
| Maternal death review (state examples) | Disparities by race and rurality are consistently documented | State and national maternal mortality review committees (Maternal Review Committees) | Black women are roughly 2–3 times more likely to die compared with white women | Highlights systemic inequities in care access and quality | Ongoing reviews (latest cycles) | Informs targeted interventions and policy |
| Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) | An estimated 50,000+ cases annually in the US | CDC and national hospitalization databases (e.g., NIS) | SMM includes conditions like severe hemorrhage, hypertensive crises, and cardiomyopathy that nearly result in death | Recent multiyear data | Captures near misses that reveal opportunities to prevent deaths |
How pregnancy-related death is defined and measured
Pregnancy-related death is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within one year of the end of a pregnancy from a cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes. This time window captures late pregnancy complications and some postpartum conditions that may emerge after discharge. Standardized methods such as the Pregnancy-Related Mortality Surveillance System (PRMSS) and the CDC’s Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System (PMSS) are used to identify cases, classify causes, and calculate national and state rates. Reviews by Maternal Mortality Review Committees (Maternal Review Committees) examine each case to identify preventable factors and recommend actions.
Data sources and timing considerations
Key sources include birth and death certificates, state and national databases (e.g., CDC WONDER), pregnancy-related mortality review committees, and hospital discharge data. Rates are typically calculated as deaths per 100,000 live births and may be reported for recent multiyear periods to smooth year-to-year variability. Lag times in data processing mean the most recent complete annual data may appear with a delay; provisional or preliminary estimates may be available sooner but can change. Understanding the measurement approach and timing helps interpret changes in rates over time and avoid overinterpreting single-year fluctuations.
Leading causes of maternal death in the US
Cardiovascular conditions, hemorrhage, infection, cardiomyopathy, and thrombosis are among the leading causes of pregnancy-related death. Many of these deaths are linked to delays in recognizing severity, gaps in access to timely specialty care, and missed opportunities for early intervention. Mental health conditions, including suicide and substance use disorders, contribute a notable share of deaths, especially in the postpartum year, underscoring the importance of integrated behavioral health in maternity care.
Contributing factors identified in reviews
Maternal mortality reviews consistently highlight factors such as communication failures, lack of care coordination, social determinants of health (e.g., housing, employment, and violence), and implicit bias that affect care quality. These factors intersect with structural barriers and contribute to inequities in outcomes. Addressing them requires systems-level changes across providers, health systems, and communities.
Risk factors and disparities
Risk of pregnancy-related death is elevated for certain groups due to a combination of clinical, social, and structural factors. Age at delivery can play a role, with very young and older parents at relatively higher risk. Black women experience a substantially higher death rate compared with white women, and American Indian/Alaska Native women also face elevated risks. Rural residents may face longer travel times to emergency obstetric care and fewer obstetric providers. Socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, chronic conditions, and prior pregnancy complications further influence risk. These disparities reflect systemic inequities rather than inevitable biological differences.
Preventability and what is being done
A significant proportion of pregnancy-related deaths in the US are considered preventable, meaning that timely, high-quality care or systemic improvements could have altered the outcome. Prevention strategies include hemorrhage and hypertensive emergency protocols, enhanced postpartum care (especially in the first weeks after birth), mental health screening and support, implicit bias training, continuity models of care, and improved data use through maternal review committees. Many states and health systems have implemented pregnancy safety bundles, maternal early warning systems, and community-based outreach to address social needs. Ongoing efforts aim to close gaps in care and reduce inequities.
What to do if you are concerned about maternal health
Pregnant people and those in the postpartum period should seek immediate care for warning signs such as heavy bleeding, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, very severe headache with vision changes, sudden swelling, or thoughts of harming oneself. If symptoms feel urgent, call emergency services without delay. For nonurgent concerns, contact your obstetric care provider or primary care clinician. Anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss or a near miss should be offered compassionate, nonjudgmental support and a thorough review of what happened to inform future care. Care that respects dignity, centers patient voice, and addresses social needs can improve outcomes.