Over half of new mothers who die ‘are obese’
(cz) More than half of women who die after having a child are overweight, as the obesity epidemic drives up the death rate among new mothers, according to a report. The study finds acrylamide link to cancer in women. Almost 300 women died after having children between 2003-05, according to new figures.
And about 40 per cent of the deaths were avoidable, the Confidential Inquiry into Maternal and Child Health (Cemach) report will say.
The Cemach report criticises poor standards of care in maternity units, with healthcare workers unable to identify common complications or manage emergencies effectively, and junior staff being left in charge too often.
The report comes as campaigners warn that maternity services are in their worst state for 40 years.
The Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services have sent a letter to Gordon Brown in which they claim that mothers and babies are being put at risk by an acute shortage of midwives.
Last week a report by the Healthcare Commission disclosed that one in four pregnant mothers had been left on their own during labour because of staff shortages. more…
From: »The Daily Telegraph«