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Maternal and Fetal Death on Weekends
Amirhossein Moaddab1, Steven L Clark1, Gary A Dildy1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
American Journal of Perinatology
|July 18, 2018
Summary
Maternal and fetal mortality rates are significantly higher on weekends in the U.S. This study found increased risks for stillbirth and maternal death during weekend deliveries, even with fewer comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Weekend hospital admissions are associated with higher mortality rates.
- Understanding variations in maternal and fetal outcomes by day of the week is crucial for public health.
- Previous research indicates potential disparities in care based on admission timing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and fetal mortality ratio between weekend and weekday deliveries in the U.S.
- To analyze other maternal and neonatal outcomes based on the day of death or delivery.
- To investigate the relationship between maternal/fetal deaths and clinical conditions by day of the week.
Main Methods:
- Population-level analysis of U.S. live births, maternal deaths, and fetal deaths from 2004-2014.
- Data sourced from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
- Examination of clinical conditions associated with maternal and fetal deaths.
Main Results:
- Maternal mortality was significantly higher on weekends (22.9/100,000 live births) compared to weekdays (15.3/100,000), p < 0.001.
- Fetal mortality was also significantly higher on weekends (7.21/100,000) versus weekdays (5.85/100,000), p < 0.001.
- Higher mortality rates occurred despite fewer serious comorbidities in women delivering on weekends.
Conclusions:
- A significant increase in U.S. maternal mortality ratio and stillbirth deliveries was observed on weekends.
- Weekend delivery is associated with elevated risks for maternal and fetal demise.
- Further research is needed to ascertain the relative representation of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum deaths.
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