In a heartfelt speech on the Senate floor, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 20, proclaiming February 2025 as Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) Awareness Month. The resolution seeks to shine a light on this often-overlooked but life-threatening condition that can affect new and expectant mothers.
PPCM is a type of heart failure that typically develops late in pregnancy but can also occur within five months postpartum.
“PPCM can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms—such as shortness of breath and swelling in the feet and legs—are often confused with typical pregnancy-related changes,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “However, if it goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can result in permanent heart failure, the necessity for a transplant, or even death. This resolution seeks to empower women by raising awareness of this condition, ensuring they receive the vital attention and care they deserve.”
Senator Ochoa Bogh was first compelled to take action to bring awareness to this condition after a conversation with a friend who shared her personal experience with PPCM. Despite its serious and sometimes fatal consequences, PPCM is rarely discussed in maternal health conversations.
If caught early enough, most women with PPCM will recover completely within six months after treatment starts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9% of all pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiomyopathy of all origins. Despite these alarming statistics, awareness remains low among both expectant mothers and healthcare professionals.
SCR 20 highlights key risk factors for PPCM, including:
• High blood pressure
• Being pregnant with multiples
• Maternal age of 35 years or older
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet
SCR 20 reflects the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing the maternal mortality crisis, ensuring that conditions both rare and routine receive the attention they require.