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Tragic Death of Utah Woman Highlights Postpartum Heart Condition

A young mother from Utah has passed away due to a rare heart condition, just over a week after the arrival of her twin babies. Morgan Hughes, 23, from Benjamin, had always dreamed of motherhood and was thrilled to welcome a son and daughter on December 19, as shared by her family.

Following the twins’ delivery, which occurred six weeks prematurely, Hughes initially recuperated well at home after her hospital stay, while her twins, Hudson and Georgia, were placed in the neonatal intensive care unit for further care.

Just days after returning from the hospital, Hughes began to experience distressing symptoms. Her father, Brian Hodson, reported instances of vomiting and fainting, leading the family to suspect the worst. Upon return to the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with postpartum cardiomyopathy, a serious heart failure condition that typically occurs towards the end of pregnancy or within the first five months following childbirth.

The diagnosis of postpartum cardiomyopathy may come as a surprise, as its symptoms can resemble those of normal pregnancy, including swelling and shortness of breath. Early detection typically allows for management through medication aimed at enhancing heart function and reducing fluid accumulation. However, the subtlety of the symptoms can hinder timely diagnosis, as noted by the American Heart Association.

Tragically, Hughes’ condition worsened rapidly, prompting her admission to intensive care. On December 28, she succumbed to cardiac arrest, leaving her family shocked and heartbroken.

“It’s been devastating. We certainly weren’t expecting this at all,” reflected Hodson, who resides approximately 30 miles north of Benjamin.

Hodson noted that the twins’ delivery had gone exceptionally well, and his daughter, a recent graduate of cosmetology school, was excited to embark on her journey as a mother. Her eagerness to nurture was well-known; she had a reputation for being exceptionally good with babies since childhood.

Identifying the causes of peripartum cardiomyopathy remains complex; however, certain risk factors have been identified. These can include pregnancy with multiples, advanced maternal age, and hypertension-related issues such as pre-eclampsia, the latter affecting Hughes during her later pregnancy stages.

The condition is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 2,000 live births, with a higher prevalence among Black women, according to Dr. Patrick S. Ramsey of UT Health San Antonio, who has addressed maternal-fetal health issues and contributed to guidelines on managing cardiovascular risks during pregnancy.

The death of Hughes is a stark reminder of a significant issue in maternal health, as the number of preventable maternal deaths in the U.S. continues to rise. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 817 maternal deaths attributed to complications during and after pregnancy.

Dr. Ramsey remarked, “That number is unacceptable. We have significant work ahead of us to improve these outcomes.” While some progress has been observed, with the national maternal mortality rate decreasing from 32.9 to 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births from 2021 to 2022, much remains to be done to ensure maternal safety.

As the twins continue their care in the NICU, Morgan’s husband has been described as a devoted father, frequently present to nurture and spend time with his children amidst his own grief. The twins are expected to be released soon, and the family hopes to honor Morgan’s love for her children as they grow up.

“You sit and hold them and just stare at them,” Hodson expressed about the bittersweet moments in the NICU. “It’s both the best and hardest place to be because you realize Morgan should be here, caring for them.”

Hodson passionately remarked, “That’s all she wanted in life, was to be a mom. She would have loved them more than anything.”

For more insights on maternal health and related issues, review additional studies and resources available through reputable health organizations.

This article was originally sourced from NBCNews.com.

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