According to MSNBC, maternal mortality is on the rise in California. Health officials reported Tuesday that African-American mothers are four times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than women in any other racial or ethnic group. The overall rate of maternal deaths in California in 1999 was eight in 100,000 live births, but in 2008 that number went up to 14 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The maternal mortality rate among African-American mothers was 36.1 per 100,000 live births, compared to 9.6 for white and 8.5 for Hispanic mothers, says the study. To address the problem, the state officials have expanded the Black Infant Health Program to include more outreach and information, and by providing group sessions to keep tabs on progress through a health pregnancy.

African-American mothers with diabetes and blood pressure are at higher rates than other groups, said the study lead. The program has provided women with information on improving those conditions through stress management and taking proper vitamins.

The long-awaited state report was deemed necessary in 2004 and shows better tracking and reporting, says the study. Another study will examine 2004 and 2007 years, said a spokesman for the state health department. In 2002 and 2003, there were 39 and 51 pregnancy-related deaths in California, respectively. A birth injury attorney can answer your questions about childbirth complications.

According to UPI, a mother’s high-fat diet may increase the risk of stillbirth. A new study by the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland has found that a high-fat diet during pregnancy may increase the risk of stillbirth. Dr. Frias, principal researcher and assistant of obstetrics and gynecology at the university says that a typical American died, high in fat, decreases blood flow from the mother to the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that nourishes the fetus during pregnancy.

The study was conducted on primate placenta because the placental structure of the Japanese macaque is very similar to that in humans. The study found that maternal diet during pregnancy has a profound influence on both placental and fetal development, said Frias. The high-fat diet our society is used to has negative effects on placental function and may be a contributor to stillbirth. The findings published in the journal Endocrinology said that the blood flow from the mother to the placenta was lowered in 38 – 56% of pregnancies. Other abnormal placental developments such as placental inflammation has been associated with birth defects.

Similar international studies conducted in the UK, Singapore and New Zealand, found that maternal diet can affect a child’s DNA and cause them to be obese later in life.