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.