CDC Offers New Materials for Providers Supporting Pregnant and Postpartum Patients

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week released a new webpage and suite of materials for health care professionals as part of the “Hear Her” campaign which aims to reduce pregnancy-related deaths. Over 700 women die every year due to pregnancy-related complications, and two in three deaths are preventable. According to the CDC, health care professionals play a critical role in eliminating preventable maternal mortality, and the new website contains specific information for obstetric providers, pediatric staff, and other health care providers.

The CDC notes obstetric professionals have an opportunity to provide important education to pregnant and postpartum patients about recognizing urgent maternal warning signs. Pediatricians and other pediatric staff can be an important connection to care for postpartum people. Emergency department staff, EMTs/paramedics, urgent care staff, primary care providers, and mental health professionals also have an important role to play in asking about recent pregnancy status and recognizing the signs and symptoms of pregnancy-related complications.

The CDC’s campaign materials include posters, palm cards, shareable graphics, and sample social media content in English and Spanish. Other clinical resources and tools are offered.

Additional information is available here.