A new study in JAMA Network Open reveals troubling trends in maternal health: nearly one-third of maternal deaths occur more than six weeks after birth. The finding signals an urgent need for extended and continuous care for new mothers.
Researchers analyzed data from the CDC’s division of reproductive health, which has long tracked maternal mortality and health disparities. The study shows a 28% rise in pregnancy-related deaths between 2018 and 2022, with the peak during the COVID-19 period.
Dr. Rose L. Molina of Harvard Medical School emphasizes the necessity of ongoing care from early pregnancy through the first year after birth. Although professional guidelines exist urging extended postpartum care, implementation in practice remains uneven across states and clinics.
The United States continues to struggle with high maternal mortality compared with other developed nations. Risk factors now extend well beyond delivery, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and substance use disorders. Some states have expanded Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months postpartum, but potential federal reductions threaten this essential support.
Disparities persist by race and ethnicity, with Native American, Alaska Native, and Black women facing higher mortality rates than white women. Geographically, Alabama and Mississippi report higher rates, while California and Minnesota show lower figures.
For Thailand, the findings underscore the importance of improving postpartum protocols and ensuring equitable access to care across all communities. Thai hospitals, already stretched by the pandemic, must integrate comprehensive maternal-care programs to prevent similar gaps.
Practical steps include immediate postpartum health assessments and ongoing monitoring for risk factors such as hypertension and mental health concerns. Focusing on preventive care can address conditions that may be aggravated by pregnancy.
Thailand’s health system could benefit from expanding national health coverage for new mothers, pursuing policy reforms, and strengthening community-based support networks. The health of mothers affects families and the well-being of future generations.
Finally, Thai healthcare leaders should develop a robust surveillance framework that covers both short- and long-term maternal health needs. Raising awareness among healthcare workers and mothers about persistent risks can drive improvements in maternal outcomes.
According to research from leading institutions, continued postpartum care plays a crucial role in safeguarding maternal and family health.