The UK is currently grappling with the highest maternal death rate in two decades, with blood clots emerging as the primary cause. Pregnant women and new mothers are confronted with alarming statistics as thrombosis, blood clots, and thromboembolism, mobile blood clots, have become the leading cause of death among maternity patients, marking the highest death rates in 20 years.
Covid-19 was identified as a close second, while cardiac disease accounted for 13% of these deaths. However, simple dietary and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of blood clots, even during pregnancy.
Health.com has emphasised the potential benefits of grapes due to their antioxidant properties, which also extend to grape juice made from real fruit. This potentially life-saving item is affordable, with most high-street brands selling it for around £2.
Grape seed extract, derived from wine grape seeds, can also support circulatory and heart health. It can be consumed by eating whole grapes or in liquid, tablet, or capsule form, although Health warned of possible side effects such as dry mouth or headaches.
The latest MBRRACE-UK report, published in the British Medical Journal, disclosed that 275 women died during pregnancy or up to six weeks postpartum between 2020 and 2022.
Blood clots were responsible for 16% of these deaths, closely followed by coronavirus at 14%, and cardiac disease at 13%. The report also scrutinised the cases of 329 women who tragically passed away between six weeks and one year after their pregnancy ended.
Unlike those still pregnant, the majority of deaths during this period were attributed to mental health issues. A staggering 34% of these deaths fell into this category, with substance misuse and suicide being the primary individual causes.
