The State of Michigan is dedicated to preventing pregnancy related deaths. 

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), every year in the United States, more than 700 women die from pregnancy related complications up to one year after birth, with 25 deaths in Michigan alone. 

MDHHS and Maternal Mortality Surveillance (MMMS) have partnered to create the Hear Her Michigan campaign encouraging women to see maternal warning signs and to speak up when they have concerns. 

"This campaign is also dedicated to encouraging everyone, including health care professionals, caregivers, friends and family, to listen and act when pregnant and postpartum persons say something that doesn’t feel right. We all have a role to play in preventing maternal deaths," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian MDHHS Chief Medical Executive. 

A pregnancy related death can occur during pregnancy to one year after from a pregnancy complication. 

Maternal health risks can include diabetes, heart conditions or hemorrhage, with the most common causes being hypertensive disorders and hemorrhages. 

Black women were 2.8 times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes, according to data from MMMS.

Warning signs can include persisting or worsening headaches, changes in vision or fever. 

According to research findings from the CDC, the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response creates a cycle of information working towards preventing pregnancy related deaths. 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

For more information, visit the Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance's website.