A new study reveals that nearly one-third of maternal deaths in the US occur more than six weeks postpartum, a period when many mothers believe they are past the critical stage. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, tracked maternal health complications for a year post-delivery and found a near 28% increase in pregnancy-related deaths from 2018 to 2022, peaking in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers emphasize the continued need for focused attention on maternal health throughout the postpartum year.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.