timing. During pregnancy, hemorrhage and cardiovascular conditions. During delivery, amniotic fluid embolism and hemorrhage. Postpartum, infection, hemorrhage, and cardiomyopathy.
Can you die from giving birth if you’re perfectly healthy?
Yes. That’s what makes this so terrifying. Healthy women with no risk factors can and do die from unpredictable complications like amniotic fluid embolism or sudden cardiac events.
What should I ask my doctor before giving birth?
Ask: What is your protocol for postpartum monitoring? What warning signs should I watch for in the first 24 hours? The first week? Who do I call if something feels wrong after I go home? What’s your experience with complications like hemorrhage or embolism?
How can I support a new mother?
Watch her. Check on her multiple times in the first week. Ask specific questions: Are you short of breath? Is your bleeding normal? Do you have a headache that won’t go away? And
