Explore national- and state-level data for hundreds of health, environmental and socioeconomic measures, including background information about each measure. Use features on this page to find measures; view subpopulations, trends and rankings; and download and share content.
How to use this page
Explore Population Data:
Appears In:
Number of significant life-threatening maternal complications during delivery per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations
Number of significant life-threatening maternal complications during delivery per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations
US Value: 81.0
Top State(s): South Dakota: 52.5
Bottom State(s): Rhode Island: 111.3
Definition: Number of significant life-threatening maternal complications during delivery per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations
Data Source and Years: Federally Available Data, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, 2019
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of Federally Available Data, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2023.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that the prevalence of severe maternal morbidity is steadily increasing. Maternal morbidity is any outcome of labor or delivery that leads to short- or long-term health consequences among women, such as hypertension, diabetes during pregnancy, anemia and depression. Severe maternal morbidity includes more serious and potentially life-threatening events and outcomes, such as hemorrhage, eclampsia, blood transfusions or hysterectomy. Additionally, racial disparities in maternal morbidity persist.
The rate of severe maternal morbidity is higher among:
The White House has a blueprint for addressing the maternal health crisis that identifies goals and actions for agencies across the federal government to improve health equity. Their goals include increasing access to and coverage of maternal health services and strengthening economic and social support.
Other strategies to prevent maternal morbidity include:
There are also a number of individual behaviors that promote a healthy pregnancy, including eating a safe and healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular dental checkups.
Healthy People 2030 has an objective to reduce severe maternal complications identified during delivery hospitalizations.
Gray, Kristen E., Erin R. Wallace, Kailey R. Nelson, Susan D. Reed, and Melissa A. Schiff. “Population-Based Study of Risk Factors for Severe Maternal Morbidity: Risk Factors for Severe Maternal Morbidity.” Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 26, no. 6 (November 2012): 506–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppe.12011.
Howell, Elizabeth A. “Reducing Disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mortality.” Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 61, no. 2 (June 2018): 387–99. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000349.
Kilpatrick, Sarah J. “Next Steps to Reduce Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the USA.” Women’s Health 11, no. 2 (March 1, 2015): 193–99. https://doi.org/10.2217/WHE.14.80.
Leonard, Stephanie A., Elliott K. Main, Karen A. Scott, Jochen Profit, and Suzan L. Carmichael. “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity Prevalence and Trends.” Annals of Epidemiology 33 (May 2019): 30–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.02.007.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.