Meeting/Event Information

Postpartum Complications and Maternal Safety in the Fourth Trimester

Complimentary Webinar

January 20, 2021

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Each year in the U.S., more than 700 women die from pregnancy-related causes, and more than 50,000 women suffer from severe pregnancy-related complications. In fact, the U.S. maternal mortality rate (pregnancy-related deaths up to 1 year postpartum) increased about 135% over the past two decades even as this rate fell elsewhere, making the U.S. the most dangerous place in the developed world to have a baby. And, perhaps most importantly, 60% of maternal deaths and severe complications are preventable.

Further, it is under-recognized by both the public and many healthcare providers that two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths occur postpartum, with one-third occurring from one week to one year after birth. And, we now know that underlying racial and ethnic disparities in maternal mortality are profound: Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, and pregnancy-related mortality for black women with at least a college degree is five times as high as the rate for white women with a similar education.

The leading causes of postpartum pregnancy-related deaths and severe complications vary according to time frame as well as geographic location, and include infection, cardiovascular complications, hemorrhage, cardiomyopathy, hypertensive disorders, embolism, and mental health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the risks for all postpartum women.

This presentation explores what is currently understood about postpartum maternal morbidity and mortality and how increasing focus on the critical “fourth trimester” postpartum phase can reduce risk and improve maternal safety. The impact of COVID-19 on maternal health will be covered as well.

As a result of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Analyze current trends and developments related to maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S.
• Understand why improving postpartum safety is critical to reducing maternal deaths and severe complications
• Identify specific postpartum patient safety risks for both birth facilities and ambulatory care settings
• Develop organizational and clinical strategies to improve the care and safety of postpartum patients  

Presenter:

Carlye Hendershot, MSN, RN, CPHRM, CPPS ECRI Senior Patient Safety Analyst and Consultant

*An application for ASHRM CEU has been submitted.

Please, MSHRM, NNESHRM and CSHRM members only (no guests allowed)

**Login information will be sent a few days before the webinar.