Trends in Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications in the U.S.
Millions of women give birth in the U.S. every year. A majority of these women have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. However, an analysis of Blue Cross Blue Shield data reveals an increasing number of women are experiencing pregnancy complications and childbirth complications.
This report examines 1.8 million pregnancies between 2014 and 2018 among commercially insured women ages 18-44.1 While the overall pregnancy rate has declined by 2% in this population since 2014, it varies considerably by age. The rate for women ages 18-24 declined by 12% while the rate for women ages 35-44 increased by 9%. While the average age of pregnancy increased over the study period from 30.6 to 31, childbirth complications did not increase with age.
Using our market-leading claims database, this report digs deeper into this population of women to gain a better understanding of their health before, during and after pregnancy. It also showcases how Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are taking actions to improve women’s health across the country.
Related Content: Learn about how race and ethnicity influence pregnancy and childbirth risks in a September 2022 BCBS study that reveals disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM).
Key Findings
A greater number of women are entering pregnancy with pre-existing conditions.
Key Findings
The number of women experiencing both pregnancy complications and childbirth complications increased 31.5%.
Key Findings
Women with pregnancy complications are twice as likely to have childbirth complications.
Key Findings
The number of women diagnosed with postpartum depressions increased by nearly 30%.
ENDNOTES
- This dataset includes only Blue Cross Blue Shield commercially-insured women, over 99% of whom were pregnant between the ages of 18-44.
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