“Unraveling the Mysteries of Eclampsia: Shedding Light on a Potentially Fatal Disorder”

Two women die each day from childbirth or pregnancy

Recent news of the death of American track and field champion Tori Bowie due to pregnancy complications has brought attention to the alarming fact that two women die each day from childbirth or pregnancy. Bowie, who was eight months pregnant, died from possible eclampsia, a condition characterized by seizures during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Preeclampsia, which occurs when pregnant women with normal blood pressure suddenly develop high blood pressure and other complications, is a risk factor for eclampsia.

Treatment is critical

Preeclampsia stresses the heart and can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs, impacting blood supply to the placenta and impairing the liver and kidneys. Left untreated, eclampsia seizures can occur, resulting in brain damage, coma, and possible death for both the mother and fetus. The good news is that there are interventions available to prevent these life-threatening complications. Antihypertensive medications and magnesium sulfate can be used to treat preeclampsia and prevent seizures. However, these interventions require timely and adequate medical care.

The importance of advocacy and access to healthcare

Pregnant women and their loved ones need to advocate for adequate prenatal care, especially those from marginalized communities. It is essential to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of preeclampsia, such as high blood pressure, headaches, abdominal pain, swelling, and vision disturbances. Regular check-ups and blood pressure readings throughout pregnancy are crucial to prevent complications.

Unfortunately, access to quality maternal healthcare is a significant concern in the United States. The country has the highest maternal death rate among developed nations, with structural racism and bias contributing to variations in the quality of care received by different racial and ethnic groups. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women.

The need to dismantle racism

Racism plays a significant role in the maternal mortality crisis in America. The Black Maternal “Momnibus” Act of 2021, signed by President Joe Biden, aims to address this issue by providing pre- and post-natal support for Black mothers and extending eligibility for certain benefits postpartum. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crisis, with an increase in maternal mortality rates and worsening racial health inequities.

In order to tackle the maternal mortality crisis effectively, it is crucial to dismantle the systemic racism that perpetuates health disparities and ensures access to equitable and quality healthcare for all pregnant individuals. Additionally, healthcare providers need to be educated about pregnancy-related complications and be prepared to provide optimal care.

Conclusion

The deaths of Tori Bowie and the countless other women who lose their lives during childbirth or pregnancy are tragic and avoidable. It is essential that governments, healthcare systems, and society as a whole prioritize maternal health and work towards eliminating the racial disparities that exist in access to care. By advocating for adequate healthcare, raising awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of preeclampsia, and dismantling systemic racism, we can ensure safer pregnancies and reduce the number of maternal deaths.