The joy of becoming a mother is an experience only women lucky enough to experience motherhood know too well. Moreover, maternal health is crucial for any woman about to become a mother or has already become one. Maternal health is generally defined by a woman’s health condition before, during, and after her pregnancy. In this article, we will be discussing the definition of maternal wealth and ways the US can improve its maternal health policies.  

What Is Maternal Health?

The health of women defines maternal health during their pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal period. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, each stage for a woman should be a positive experience. This means both the child and mother are ensured the full potential of their well-being and health.  

Moreover, despite making the most important progress within the last two decades, there have been an estimated 287,000 women who have died during or following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. Similarly, this number is too high to be acceptable.  

Causes Of Maternal Deaths

There are a variety of common causes that deteriorate maternal health across the globe. Some of them include blood loss, infection, high blood pressure, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labor. There are a variety of indirect causes, too, that include anemia, malaria, and heart diseases.  

Moreover, most cases of maternal deaths are preventable with the inclusion of timely management. Similarly, the presence of skilled health professionals working in supportive environments could prevent maternal deaths.  

It’s really important that healthcare policies all around the world prioritize putting an end to maternal deaths. Just surviving pregnancy and childbirth doesn’t mean everything’s okay. There’s more to it than that.

Similarly, every woman’s pregnancy and birth tend to be unique. Due to this, it is essential to address inequalities that tend to affect health outcomes. Especially reproductive and sexual health. This means all women should have access to respectful and high-quality maternal care.  

Why Is Maternal Health Important in the US?

Maternal health is a vital element that is crucial for society and public health. Moreover, the health of mothers, children, and infants has a high probability of impacting future public health encounters for communities, families, and the health care system.  

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), maternal health affects the health of future generations. Moreover, the American Public Health Association declares that maternal and child health is a vital public health issue. Similarly, it provides the prospect to end preventable deaths and enhance the health and well-being of both mother and child.  

In 2020, the maternal mortality rate in the US was estimated at 24 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is three times more than the most high-income nations across the world.  

Moreover, the US government has also been noted for its ability to make maternal health a higher priority in recent years. In 2022, the United States spent $1.435 billion on maternal and child health along with nutrition, up from just $728 million in 2006.  

Ways Maternal Health Can Be Improved in the US

If you have noticed, maternal morbidity rates tend to stay higher in the United States compared to other high-income nations across the globe. Moreover, this issue is more rampant among women belonging to minorities or low socioeconomic status.  

On average, 700 women die due to pregnancy-related complications each year in the US. This data is backed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). For each mortality, there are 70 severe unexpected repercussions. Due to this, it is vital that the US government takes steps to improve maternal health conditions for women across all sections of society. Here are some ways the maternal healthcare system could be improved within a community: 

Increased access to care

Access to good quality care is the most essential part of improving maternal health care in the United States. Similarly, improvements would include an increase in gynecologists, OB/GYN physician associates (PAs), and OB/GYN nurse practitioners across all healthcare centers in the nation.  

Moreover, gynecologists have a better understanding of the various complex cases that tend to occur before, during, and after pregnancy. Due to this, it is essential for the US government to improve its access to healthcare to improve maternal health in the nation. 

Changing the culture of medicine  

The ACOG is doing a great job at changing the medical culture in the US. They’ve put in a lot of effort to address racial disparities in healthcare, and they’re also working to tackle both obvious and subtle forms of racism.

Moreover, the Mass General Brigham in Boston and The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund have been noted for their investment of $2.5 billion in the promotion of maternal health across the nation. Similarly, these two organizations have also been noted for their stand in dismantling racism in hospitals and healthcare centers in the US. 

Modification of social determinants of health

Many health organizations have been lately addressing racial inequalities and social factors that affect healthcare systems in the US. They’re also really good at giving caretakers training on how to communicate better and make better decisions.

These programs are also laid down in terms of healthcare services provided to mothers and infants. Moreover, this program allows new mothers to learn about birth spacing, mental health, and smoking termination, among a few.  

Boosting breastfeeding

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has taken a stand on reducing breastfeeding discrimination amongst various communities across the nation.  

Moreover, breastfeeding is necessary to improve the health of a newborn child. That’s why it’s important to encourage new moms to breastfeed their babies. It’s good for both the mom’s health and the baby’s too.

Address specific health difficulties  

The CVS Health Foundation and America’s Essential Hospitals have given a healthcare institution in New York a grant of $847,000.This is to address the higher rate of maternal morbidity and mortality. The program is specifically focusing on issues like hypertension.  

Providing transportation to specialty care

So, in Texas, some hospitals and clinics are helping people. Mothers who are at high risk by giving them rides to their appointments. Also, it seems like pregnant women who have complicated pregnancies might need help getting to the hospital in case something goes wrong.

Increase in medical insurance coverage

The American Medical Association (AMA) has implemented a new policy that allows for the promotion of equity. Moreover, it has also allowed for the expansion of insurance for women with higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality.  

Thus, these are the ways through which the American healthcare system has the ability to effectively improve its existing framework for maternal health.  

Final Thoughts

Now, you have a better understanding of the importance of maternal health for mothers and infants in the US. Moreover, it is also important that the US government. Along with healthcare institutions, participate effectively in improving the existing infrastructure of maternal health in the US.