The IAA One Minute Blog

Three-time Olympic medalist Tori Bowie who passed away in May, died from eclampsia, drawing renewed attention to the maternal mortality crisis in the United States.

What is Eclampsia?

Tori Bowie American track and field champion died of pregnancy complications that may have included eclampsia, according to the newly released autopsy report. 

Eclampsia is when a person develops seizures during pregnancy. The biggest risk factor for eclampsia is preeclampsia, which is when a person who’s pregnant has high blood pressure and protein in their urine.

Eclampsia affects less than three percent of people with preeclampsia, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It typically occurs after the 20^th week of pregnancy.

Preeclampsia stresses the heart and can cause fluid buildup in the lungs. The stress on circulation can affect blood supply in the placenta and impair the liver and kidneys. High protein levels in the urine indicate kidney dysfunction. Left untreated, eclampsia seizures can occur which can result in brain damage, coma and possible death for the mother and fetus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say.

Maternal Deaths in the U.S.

The number of women who die during or shortly after childbirth in the U.S. is higher than in any other developed nation.

Heart disease and stroke cause the most deaths overall in pregnancy, and after, according to the CDC, which estimates these complications account for more than 34 percent of pregnancy-related deaths.

Problems that increase the risk of stroke during pregnancy and delivery include high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and blood clots.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America is here to keep informed on the world of health. Keep tuning into IAA’s blog to learn more about current health topics.