COVID-19 may lead to more maternal deaths among blacks, Latinos
Maternal mortality—the death of a woman during pregnancy or shortly after delivery—has hit racial minorities, particularly African Americans, hard for decades. Now, experts worry that the COVID-19 pandemic is making the situation worse, according to a May 14,…
Expectant parents, physicians, navigating fast-changing guidance on COVID-19 and pregnancy
The COVID-19 pandemic is upending the birth plans of expectant parents and forcing hospitals and physicians to quickly adapt to keep their patients safe.
Could midwives, doulas help reduce maternal deaths in U.S.?
In the U.S., women are dying from complications of childbirth more frequently than women in any other developed nation, and numbers are on the rise. Experts say one reason for the problem may be that American women don’t…
Keeping mothers informed may reduce C-sections
It may be possible to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections by using a tool as simple as a white board in labor and delivery rooms. A June 5, 2019 New York Times article outlined efforts to curb the high…
More paid leave for fathers could improve mothers’ postpartum health
A mother’s postpartum health could get a boost if the other parent has flexible paid leave, according to a new study. Researchers studied the effect of a 2012 Swedish law that allows fathers to take up to 30…
U.S. pregnancy-related deaths rising
Pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise in the U.S., and those facing the greatest risk are black women, Native Americans, and Alaska natives, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 700…
'Team Birth Project' aims to curb C-sections, improve birth outcomes
While common, Cesarean sections (C-sections) pose risks for children and mothers, including longer recovery periods, increased risk of infections, and the possibility of injuries and even death. Moreover, many C-sections aren’t medically necessary, according to experts. To reduce…