- Awareness of postpartum health risks in the United States has increased significantly, but the health care system is still lagging behind in providing adequate support. More than half of pregnancy-related deaths occur within the first year postpartum, disproportionately affecting Black and Native American women. Traditional postpartum care, typically a single checkup six weeks after birth, is insufficient and often missed by up to 40 percent of patients. Recent revisions to guidelines by medical societies like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and initiatives from the Biden administration aim to improve postpartum care by advocating for earlier and more comprehensive checkups, including mental health and emotional well-being assessments. Despite these efforts, there remains a lack of standardized clinical practices and systemic challenges in accessing and delivering comprehensive postpartum care, highlighting the ongoing need for broader reforms and increased awareness. (Article here)
June 24, 2024
Inequities and SDOH | Tea Leaves