Strategies to Reduce Maternal Mortality During the First Year After Birth.

The rate of maternal mortality is rising in the United States, and patient education is key to help women recognize signs and symptoms of complications of pregnancy. Health care providers should always ask a woman of childbearing age if she has experienced a recent pregnancy or birth, and women should remind health care providers at every encounter of a pregnancy or birth during the past year. It may make the difference between life and death.