Former world 100m champion Tori Bowie has died of complications during childbirth, it was claimed today.
The American – who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Rio Games in 2016 – died on May 3 at the age of 32.
An autopsy report from the Orange County (Florida) Medical Examiner’s Office, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, said Bowie was about eight months pregnant and in labor when she died.
Possible complications included respiratory distress and eclampsia, a rare condition that can cause seizures.
The medical examiner ruled that Bowie’s death was natural.
Bowie’s agent Kimberly Holland told CBS News the news would put an end to “hurtful” speculation about the cause of death.
“Unfortunately, so many people, including the media, are speculating that she did something to herself, which is very hurtful,” she said.
“So hopefully, now that we know the truth, there will be a lot of excuses.”
Preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women towards the end of their pregnancy. It is a combination of high blood pressure, protein in the urine, or problems with the kidneys or liver
What is Eclampsia? And how is it different from preeclampsia?
Eclampsia is a life-threatening complication of preeclampsia, affecting about one in 25 pregnant women.
Kim Kardashian and Beyonce both suffered from the condition while pregnant.
Most cases are usually mild and improve shortly after delivery. But in rare cases, the mother may develop eclampsia – a type of seizure. It usually occurs after about 20 weeks of pregnancy or right after giving birth.
Eclampsia is believed to affect about one in 4,000 pregnancies, according to pregnancy and baby loss charity Tommy’s.
During an eclamptic attack, the mother’s arms, legs, neck or jaw will ‘twitch involuntarily in repetitive, jerky movements’, the NHS says. It adds: ‘She can lose consciousness and wet herself. The attacks usually last less than a minute.’
What causes the condition?
While doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes preeclampsia, they believe it happens when there’s a problem with the placenta.
The organ passes nutrients, antibodies and oxygen from the mother to the baby.
Tommy’s says it’s believed preeclampsia can develop when the blood supply to the placenta isn’t as strong.
It causes increased blood pressure and abnormal levels of a protein in the urine.
Neighbors say Bowie, who earned gold medals at the 2016 Olympics, appeared to be ‘seven to eight months pregnant’ before her unexpected death
What are the warning signs?
Early signs of preeclampsia can be difficult to spot, hence the need for regular blood pressure and urine checks.
These checkups are performed as part of routine prenatal care.
But there are some other signs you might notice if the condition gets worse, Tommy’s warns. These are:
- Headache that does not go away with simple painkillers;
- Vision problems, such as blurry or flashing before your eyes;
- Pain just below the ribs;
- feeling sick or vomiting;
- Heartburn that doesn’t go away with antacids;
- Rapidly increasing swelling of the face, hands or feet;
- Feeling very unwell.
How Can It Affect Babies?
Preeclampsia can affect the growth of unborn babies and even cause them to be premature or stillborn.
This is, the NHS says, because the baby is getting less nutrients from its mother.
Premature birth can lead to severe breathing difficulties, requiring extremely premature babies to remain in neonatal intensive care units.
However, expectant mothers with the condition get additional ultrasounds to monitor their baby.
In severe cases, the baby may need to be delivered before 37 weeks.
What is the advice for expectant mothers?
Preeclampsia can affect the way expectant mothers give birth.
Even with mild preeclampsia, expectant mothers are advised to have their baby at about 37 weeks, about two to three weeks before their due date.
But if the midwife is concerned about the health of the mother or baby, an earlier delivery may be suggested, according to Tommy’s.
This can still be natural childbirth, induction or caesarean section.
With severe preeclampsia, the only way to avoid serious complications is to give birth to the baby, Tommy’s says.
What other complications does it cause in expectant mothers?
Pregnant women with preeclampsia are also more likely to develop a rare liver and blood clotting disorder known as HELLP syndrome. This can cause serious complications, including liver and kidney failure or stroke.
The condition can also cause more complications in the future, as if you had preeclampsia once you are more likely to develop it again in a future pregnancy.
It may also increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease later in life, according to Tommy’s.
People who have had preeclampsia are advised to reduce their risk by following a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
What Increases the Risk of Preeclampsia?
Age and BMI can increase the risk of expectant mothers developing preeclampsia, and therefore eclampsia.
If your blood pressure was high before you got pregnant or during a previous pregnancy, it may increase your chance of developing preeclampsia.
Diabetes, kidney disease or autoimmune disease also increase the risk, experts say.
So are other factors, including a high BMI, being over 40, or expecting more than one baby.