AHA Blog Focuses on Reducing Adverse Maternal Outcomes

The American Hospital Association highlights factors contributing to maternal health deaths and amplifies promising initiatives to combat rising maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Published on Maternal Health Awareness Day, the blog by Aisha Syeda, MPP, AHA senior program manager, strategic initiatives, notes 80% of pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented ─ a 20% increase from previous years. Leading causes of maternal deaths, particularly in the postpartum period, are mental health conditions and cardiac and coronary conditions. Hospital strategies to combat maternal deaths include offering prevention and management measures; supporting the extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage; and assessing language and cultural preferences. (AHA blog, 1/23/22)