Do I Have A Story to Share?

Many women think that their experience doesn't count as a story of strength. However, most of the women I speak with have experienced maternal morbidity and have an important story to share!

Maternal morbidity refers to unexpected health complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth, which can have short- or long-term impacts on a woman's health. These complications may include cardiovascular issues, infections, excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, and blood clots, often necessitating additional medical care and potentially affecting quality of life. ​NICHD+2NICHD+2Illinois Department of Public Health+2

Maternal morbidity encompasses a range of health conditions that negatively impact a woman's well-being during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. These conditions can vary in severity and may have both short- and long-term consequences. Notable examples include:​World Health Organization (WHO)

• Cardiovascular Events:

  • Heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)​

  • Heart failure​

  • Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)​

• Hypertensive Disorders:

  • Eclampsia (seizures occurring in association with preeclampsia)​

  • Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)​

• Infections:

  • Sepsis widespread infection)​

  • Endometritis (infection of the uterine lining)​

• Hemorrhagic Complications:

  • Postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding after childbirth)​

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (a condition affecting blood clotting)​

• Surgical Interventions, such as hysterectomy

• Blood transfusions​

• Respiratory Issues:

  • Need for mechanical ventilation​

• Other Serious Conditions:

  • Acute renal failure (sudden loss of kidney function)​

  • Aneurysm (abnormal bulging of a blood vessel)​

  • Thromboembolism (blood clots

    
    

If you have experienced any of these examples, please consider sharing your story of strength!