Maternity Care Deserts: A disturbing trend in rapidly developing medical technology could make it tougher for women to access the care they need. On Tuesday, the March of Dimes released a thorough analysis showing that nearly 7 million women are struggling to access obstetrical care.
2022’s non-profit research is ominous. Sadly, 1,119 counties are “maternity care deserts.” Fix this major issue. This is a 2% rise from the 2020 report, meaning 15,933 more women are without pregnancy care.
The March of Dimes has rigorous arid criteria. Every US county without a hospital, birthing center, or adequate obstetricians falls into this dismal group. 36% of counties are “maternity care deserts,” with 61% of them in rural areas. Shockingly high.
As you read the report, you discover a stunning fact: 6.9 million women and almost half a million children live in places without
maternity care or enough of it. Alarming number. Since the 2020 report, 5% more counties lack adequate maternity care.
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Many factors determine which locations have insufficient maternity care. If a region has less than 60 obstetricians per 10,000 births or no obstetric hospitals, it has low access to obstetric care. If the percentage of uninsured women exceeds 10%, they will be included.
Despite the abundance of data, Ohio and Florida are most significant. Ohio is leading other states that struggle to provide prenatal care. However, Florida’s good work has made maternity care easier, suggesting a solution.
Still, the widespread COVID-19 pandemic colors this grave situation. The terrible events of the previous few years have affected maternity care nationwide. Many healthcare issues have created new gaps. In their constant pursuit of excellence, maternity care practitioners must find novel approaches to serve patients.
This study highlights US healthcare’s ongoing issues. It emphasizes the need for equal access to care for moms. Fixing maternity care gaps is a big problem that requires everyone to work hard.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is a maternity care deserts?
Any county in the US without a hospital or birth center providing obstetric care and lacking any obstetric providers is considered a maternity care desert.
What are the top 4 causes of maternal mortality?
Postpartum infections, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), delivery complications, and unsafe abortion are all potential risks for maternal health. These issues can arise after giving birth and can have serious consequences. It’s important for expectant mothers to be aware of these potential complications and seek necessary medical care to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
What is nowhere to go maternity care deserts across the United States?
March of Dimes just dropped their 2022 report on maternity care deserts in the US. These are counties with a severe shortage of maternity care resources. They have no hospitals or birth centers that offer obstetric care, and no obstetric providers. It’s a concerning situation for many expectant mothers across the country.
Does the US have a maternal mortality crisis?
In 2021, 1,205 women died from pregnancy-related causes in the United States, an increase from 861 in 2020 and 754 in 2019. The maternal mortality rate for 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 23.8 in 2020 and 20.1 in 2019.