According to the CDC, nearly 700 women in the US die every year due to pregnancy and delivery-related complications, and women of color are two to three times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than white women. As these statistics show, the United States has been going through a maternal health crisis that started well before the pandemic—though COVID-19 has further impacted how maternal health care has been handled.
Here’s a look at the state of maternal health in the US, and how COVID-19 has changed the way we address maternal health issues.
A shift to telemedicine
Due to the pandemic, the majority of non-urgent medical appointments are occurring via telehealth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends providers maximize the use of telehealth for expectant mothers, which works well for many who need pre- and postnatal care, eliminating the hassle of going to an in-person appointment with doctors who have limited availability. However, many fear that those who lack the resources to complete telehealth visits will suffer from a lack of in-person care. While some preliminary research found that the use of telehealth did not have negative effects on pregnancy and delivery, this research was conducted in primarily white, financially secure and insured demographics. For non-white, poorer, or uninsured expectant mothers, the effects of a telehealth-focused maternal health approach could be vastly different.
Racial inequalities
Women of color are two to three times more likely to die within a year after childbirth than their white counterparts. Stress caused by institutionalized racism and the frequent disregard for the concerns of Black women regarding their own health are factors contributing to the inequity of care among women of color. Additionally, many Black women live in food deserts, unsafe neighborhoods and areas with less access to prenatal care. They also are likely to make less money than white women, which further stacks the deck against them in regard to their physical and mental health.
Maternal health during the pandemic
Aside from some of the more obvious struggles mothers experience during the course of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum adjustments, the heightened anxiety brought on by a global pandemic in addition to health concerns for mother and baby can exacerbate mental health issues. Though some hospitals have begun to relax their restrictions, many women are still forced to give birth without their partner present, which adds stress to an already stressful situation.
Even mothers who are able to have their partner present for the birth of their child are not exempt from mental health challenges. A recent Psychology Today study found that 70% of women who are pregnant or giving birth during this pandemic report clinically significant depression or anxiety, and over 40% screen positive for post-traumatic stress disorder. These numbers suggest that COVID-19 has negatively impacted maternal mental health, an issue that is already considered taboo or difficult for mothers to discuss with loved ones or medical professionals.
Here are a few ways expectant and postpartum mothers can help improve their maternal health during this pandemic:
- Prioritize self-care: make time for yourself and keep up with activities you enjoy.
- Spend time outside and exercise safely: taking online fitness classes or going for walks can help boost physical and mental health.
- Lean on family and friends, even if they live far away: try virtual support groups or share feelings with loved ones over FaceTime or Zoom.
- Seek professional help: if you fear serious issues with physical or mental health, consult a doctor or look into the numerous virtual resources available.
Insights on maternal health can also be found through programs such as Harvard Pilgrim’s partnership with Ovia Health—a health app that guides mothers through the pregnancy and parenthood journey, ultimately aiming to improve clinical health outcomes and provide relevant information for family planning. Particularly helpful during the pandemic, Ovia even offers resources like health coaches that are available virtually to fill gaps in care and answer key questions.
This article first appeared as featured content in Harvard Pilgrim’s HaPi Guide newsletter on August 28, 2020. To stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare topics such as the future of health care, new ways to be healthy or the business of insurance, sign up to receive our monthly communication: