Magnitude of maternal morbidity during labor and delivery: United States, 1993-1997

Objectives. This study sought to determine the prevalence of maternal morbidity during labor and delivery in the United States. Methods. Analyses focused on National Hospital Discharge Survey data available for women giving birth between 1993 and 1997. Results. The prevalence of specific types of maternal morbidity was low, but the burden of overall morbidity was high. Forty-three percent of women experienced some type of morbidity during their delivery hospitalization. Thirty-one percent (1.2 million women) had at least 1 obstetric complication or at least 1 preexisting medical condition. Conclusions. Maternal morbidity during delivery is frequent and often preventable. Reducing maternal morbidity is a national health objective, and its monitoring is key to improving maternal health.