Researchers have issued a warning that maternal deaths in the UK have surged to a nearly 20-year high. Recent data reveals an average of 13.41 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies from 2020 to 2022, with a rate of 11.54 deaths per 100,000 even when excluding COVID-related fatalities. This represents a significant increase from 8.79 deaths per 100,000 in the period from 2017 to 2019. Concerns about maternity services have been raised by experts, who advocate for urgent prioritization of pre-pregnancy health and personalized care.
A woman shared her heartbreaking story, recounting the loss of her sister, Susie McLoughlin, who died during childbirth at the age of 32. Susie suffered a cardiac arrest after a caesarean section to deliver her fourth child, Leila, in 2019. Diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension just nine days before giving birth, Susie’s rare condition increased the risk of a fatal outcome. Wendy Lunt, Susie’s sister, expressed feeling cheated and highlighted missed opportunities during medical interactions where Susie’s concerns were dismissed.
Susie McLoughlin was transferred from Aintree Hospital to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital for specialised care. Despite the efforts, she went into cardiac arrest during childbirth. Wendy Lunt described the harrowing experience of being asked to leave the room while Susie went into cardiac arrest, only to be handed her newborn niece shortly after. The inquest in 2021 revealed missed opportunities by doctors to investigate and treat Susie’s heart condition earlier.
Wendy Lunt acknowledged the new figures on maternal deaths, expressing a lack of shock due to the overwhelming pressure on the NHS. She emphasised the need for more thorough checks and appointments, particularly considering the significant physiological changes women undergo during pregnancy and childbirth. Lamenting the tragedy, she described Susie as an excellent mother whose children were her world.
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