Orlando Health explains how it is improving maternal outcomes

In an American Hospital Association podcast, Orlando (Fla.) Health explains how it supports heart-healthy pregnancies and postpartum periods for mothers. The hospital targets patients at increased risk for cardiovascular complications and enrolls them in a postpartum hypertension program. Orlando Health gives patients with higher blood pressure monitors and medication to take home with them. In addition, the hospital screens patients for depression and anxiety and for social needs. Patients who needed additional support receive counseling, while those who need food receive deliveries from community partners. Cardiovascular complications are one of the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, responsible for one in three pregnancy-related deaths. Black, American Indian and Alaskan Native mothers are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications.