Pregnancy-related complications remain high in NC. A new UNC Rex program aims to help.
Christina Buchanan delivered her second child — a baby girl named Caelah — at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh this month.
This time she walked out of the birth center wearing an “I Gave Birth” bracelet. It’s part a new initiative aimed at minimizing risks for postpartum complications like sepsis and organ failure.
“My nurse explained it to me, and I’m totally on board,” said the 42-year-old, cradling her newborn close to her chest shortly after returning home to Apex.
New mothers are expected to wear the bracelet up to 10 weeks after delivery as a reminder to pay attention to their bodies and watch out for common warning signs: high fever, chest pain, headaches, bleeding, depression.
It also alerts medical personnel to postpartum patients’ special needs.
Buchanan said the postpartum journey is just as important as prepartum or labor and delivery. “There are so many highs and lows. Whether it’s mental or medical issues, all of that needs to be addressed,” she said.
Severe maternal morbidity — when women nearly die due to pregnancy-related complications — remains high in North Carolina.
An investigation by The News & Observer found more than 1,000 women in the state narrowly survived serious complications in 2022. That was up 30% compared to 2018.
Pregnancy-related deaths are also rising. And year after year, Black women are more than twice as likely to die from complications than white women. “Our hope is to increase community access to resources,” said Sherry Brown, Rex’s perinatal services manager. “New parents in our community need our help.”
Teddy Rosenbluth contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 15, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
