Chronic health problems are fueling a troubling spike in severe pregnancy complications in Illinois. [Sun-Time]

A new study from Northwestern Medicine found more patients are developing high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, mental health disorders and obesity while pregnant. The trend is even worse for Black women and people living in poor neighborhoods.

The rise in Illinois reflects national increases in obesity, hypertension and gestational diabetes in pregnant people of all ages.

“Racial disparities in maternal health are not new,” said Dr. Mugdha Mokashi, an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Northwestern Medicine and one of the researchers on the study.

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