Pregnancy-associated and Pregnancy-related Deaths in the United States Military, 2003–2014

Abstract

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;227:508.e1–508.e9) The Centers for Disease Control defines pregnancy-associated deaths as those that occur while pregnant or within 1 year of the end of pregnancy from any cause. Pregnancy-related deaths are those that occur within the same time frame from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy itself. While the rates of death due to hemorrhage and hypertensive events have declined in the military population, pregnancy-associated overdose and suicide deaths are on the rise. Active-duty service members have distinct circumstances from the civilian population that are normally considered protective against maternal morbidity: free and full health care coverage, stable employment, and lower rates of chronic disease. Despite these factors, a sharp rise in severe maternal morbidity in the US military is evident over 2003-2015, and it is acknowledged that suicide, overdose, and homicide are rising contributors to this trend. Frequent relocation or deployment are mental health stressors that may be an exacerbating factor in these deaths.