A pregnancy can be one of the most joyous times for a family; the excitement of choosing a name, picking out colors for the nursery, selecting furniture. However, for many families this joy is short lived. According to the CDC, about 700 women die each year from complications of pregnancy with 60% of pregnancy related deaths preventable.

A pregnancy-related death can happen during pregnancy, at delivery, and even up to a year afterward (postpartum).

For 2011-2015:

• About 1/3 of deaths (31%) happened during pregnancy;
• About 1/3 (36%) happened at delivery or in the week after; and
• About 1/3 (33%) happened 1 week to 1 year postpartum

Heart disease and stroke caused more than 1 in 3 deaths (34%). Other leading causes of death included infections and severe bleeding.

Every death reflects a web of missed opportunities. Factors playing a part include:

• Access to care
• Missed or delayed diagnoses
• Not recognizing warning signs