---
title: A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth
date: 2021-10-07T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

This candid personal story talks about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, shares information on who is at the greatest risk, and makes recommendations for reducing harm to birthing people.

> America’s maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than that in other high-income developed countries. While 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births may not sound like a lot, consider this: Having a baby here, in the richest country in the world, is more dangerous than in less wealthy places like Kuwait and Kazakhstan. While the worldwide maternal mortality rate fell about 38% between 2000 and 2017, U.S. numbers are actually getting worse, more than doubling over the course of three decades.

[Read the full article ](https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/a37804933/pregnancy-is-not-supposed-to-kill-us-essay/)

SOURCE: Good Housekeeping • AUTHOR: Elissa Garay • LAST UPDATED: October 7, 2021

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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) Andre Moura/Pexels

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ maternal morbidity & mortality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/maternal-morbidity-mortality)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health)
- [postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/postpartum)
- [maternal mortality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-mortality)
- [health disparities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-disparities)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
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- We counter misinformation and disinformation
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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Ectopic Pregnancies and the Care You Need

This article discusses ectopic pregnancies, their specific treatment, and the potential impact of policy changes targeting abortion access.

![512px-Ectopic_pregnancy_in_Fallopian_tube](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article discusses ectopic pregnancies, their specific treatment, and the potential impact of policy changes targeting abortion access.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ectopic-pregnancies-and-the-care-you-need)

[ResourcesRead

## FAQs about C-sections

A guide to c-sections, with answers to frequently asked questions.

![22 What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Birth22 1 scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A guide to c-sections, with answers to frequently asked questions.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-every-pregnant-woman-needs-to-know-about-cesarean-birth)

[ResourcesWatch

## TED Talk: How Racism Harms Pregnant Women And What Can Help by Miriam Zoila Pérez

A TED talk from doula, reporter, and activist Miriam Zoila Pérez about how racism affects pregnant people’s health and the health of their babies.

![How Racism Harms Pregnant Women And What Can Help scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A TED talk from doula, reporter, and activist Miriam Zoila Pérez about how racism affects pregnant people’s health and the health of their babies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ted-talk-how-racism-harms-pregnant-women-and-what-can-help-by-miriam-zoila-perez)

[ResourcesRead

## Five Ways To Improve Maternal Health by Addressing the Climate Crisis

Specific policy recommendations for addressing the global climate crisis that would also reduce health risks to pregnant people.

![helena-lopes-4409091-3](data:image/png;base64,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)

Specific policy recommendations for addressing the global climate crisis that would also reduce health risks to pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/five-ways-to-improve-maternal-health-by-addressing-the-climate-crisis)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEeElEQVRIiXVWzbK1NgyTDV/f/7266bpv0UXbQ2xJXTjh3v4xGYbDAclSROL49ZefAdiWJEuiJIkWLcIKK6CEE85AAgGEDUCS5Kaq+bSe6k/xU/0pPsVFtZQAbBj/e/g/fhjz2vfbPjcNnJONez82t7wHfFjtgM9bQMB2YD8zGPO39zVka+7Ktm+9xF/D57Uj7eDZiC8OW7ZgQbJtybItax+WdPtb7fLfLiC8imw75mrr3Yj/GBQlSqRaaurma5k2rgwfnaFDsA0Y7C1nEGfw+2g12a2WbupYpP3OET5FOuycK8CwgJjYGZJFv6Bsdaub3aw5858EkGDaMmTIYcPS/AcDzp0ZWJZMbWi+0MVqVnF1F3U3sQvyLtzCRCGkkMLK8QvWDujOD+VvtbNLXexiVdeq1Szpbg0+LMA2bQlnhJQTFAtwnEzDlvGaPrhdXdWreq16qp/qEu/izuk2ndsccJc/ro1FYRuIyYK2gm6ewk/tq9eqp2tRd9M7eXqt10aXYtYMcyxKbxGT/WPRtqVX1+qNvtZT/ZB3tY9H3s5QkIJKMUSbEHfIgDjfuWTS/SpYU37XqvWsZ61P1UPei2dx+OZ7kEFKTNFqjAI7RsEppqlD0H3Qa9UajqqHfVfr1Rx/Jxh0q3ck7cAhGKk0yW726l7d1VVVq2qttdaz1ucQ7JJCghhikEmmOtWX2uJl2Q7jJaBAma35rrq6q3r1K6HWWl0vwYEWgwwx2clB78u0dFmHIGxQIN1D0P3GaE/FWrU+1XVXcwhCPOX3oKfaqqOAttMIxztfvRWMTbNQlKpUi/2oH9W6qwk7LJihDnZoCCpZVnlcsi5bnoUovOfL2gSlGSxxmct83B/zubt6W2QOehz0S+XhMPO7AoQV8kyyRJpttlRWQQWt0JP6pD53dwOAx58hqF3+VlB2X6LhNBKBiatiVlOJB7qhgiu80s+Fz40/huCd5A7Wa5G4pCUtq20lfBlCBBIOOTjpnTS74QpUojLqjnXHnz/F718EocbMASu5kpVa5rIX1DYv2Ig8BHs3ki3BBTTQgU7UHXXn+nF94N9ufinoUIF1LFqpMh+7oJqN7gKMDGQgZwvd+zwaqIzO6My+su5cP11/BJ5bXWcOGodAw6FlLWvBZQthIByZSCCB1O48NLVHdEZf2ffVP65l/x6Bm/xSADZUsTnWxQUt6AEKUMCIMNJxRVzYImwoghHMYGZf2Xf2j7uMCuE2+2xWDRbYIyJYfhWgAoyxJy7gSlzANd81wkBHdERn8rp4qW+XgRRuHQVWg211qMEKlVnQgp9wRTDgQEZcyBtQhICcZmwrSF6pK3VflNtABG6L00NBbRFsc+I0n0yFi14RnQEqI+94W73JFIxghCKUyWtoLv6bQLvhFaEO7WmXK7BkKpHI3fMFpvZpYgY9UiFnOtOXaQOB29qrqf22RJx9WOpQy51oR8twXAISaUTMBCAAjGMBRyjCmUo7DRj36WBP62B5usbdfMngDOytL316ysCmCBjhCEfgPWfAwF8/+dlDkZzctgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.

![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion: Key Facts

This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.

![Abortion Key Facts scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-key-facts)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)