Americans twice as likely to die from pregnancy than Canadians... wonder much obesity is the cause. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/12/us-health-pregnancy-idUSKCN0T10LO20151112#fE4cLCCbtrgVEwhu.97 One particular OB on reddit (yes, I know... their science subs are still good) https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/3swl1a/women_are_twice_as_likely_to_die_from_causes/cx16c1t The population is markedly sicker. Not only are obesity related medical problems like diabetes and hypertension far more prevalent, but patients that in the past that couldn't attain pregnancy are getting pregnant because of medical Intervention here. In my practice, we deliver roughly 100 babies per month. A minimum of 15 of these patients will be over 300 pounds. Many of them will have diabetes and high blood pressure that was present prior to pregnancy. Even 10 years ago this wasn't an issue.  Ugh at any 300lb-er who tries to have a kid