Matern Child Health J [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Description of Full-Term Infants Hospitalized for Poor Weight Gain in the First Month of Life.
Van der Meijden C, Bost-Bru C, Cherif-Alami S … +5 more , Sevrez C, Rybakowski C, Eitenschenck L, Ricard C, Tanné C
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Feb · PMID 41455020 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Poor weight gain in infants under one month old is a common reason for hospitalization. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the etiologies of poor weight gain in hospitalized full-term infants under one month old,...
BACKGROUND: Poor weight gain in infants under one month old is a common reason for hospitalization. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the etiologies of poor weight gain in hospitalized full-term infants under one month old, as well as the type of population epidemiology and diagnostic tests performed. METHODS: The design was a retrospective study, with data obtained from four French hospitals, evaluating full-term infants less than one month who were hospitalized for poor weight gain. RESULTS: Of the 313 children hospitalized for poor weight gain included in our study, the main etiologies were intake deficiency (72.8%), jaundice (12.1%) and infections (8.3%). Our study population comprised 55.9% male, the mean age at the time of hospitalization was 11.4 days (+/- 5), and 64.5% were exclusively breastfed. We found no predisposing factors for intake deficiency. CONCLUSION: In full-term infants hospitalized for poor weight gain in their first month of life, intake deficiency appears to be the most frequent diagnosis, without other identifiable distinctive factors in our study. Identifying risk factors for intake deficiency and suggesting increased surveillance of at-risk infants could help limit its occurrence, reduce the need for invasive tests carried out and decrease the resulting number of hospitalizations.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impact of Diaper Distribution by Diaper Banks on Child Health and Economic Impacts to Society.
Massengale KEC, Comer LH, Gunther P … +3 more , Carstensen F, Goldblum JS, Smith MV
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41452553 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To document the impact of diaper banks' provision of free diapers on diaper dermatitis incidence and related treatment, as well as quantify the societal burden of diaper insecurity and the cost of addressing i...
OBJECTIVE: To document the impact of diaper banks' provision of free diapers on diaper dermatitis incidence and related treatment, as well as quantify the societal burden of diaper insecurity and the cost of addressing it. METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study of diaper bank recipient households. Data were collected from July 2021 to April 2022. Participating diaper banks (n = 65), located across the United States, were members of the National Diaper Bank Network. A sample of parents/caregivers (n = 5,598) receiving free diaper bank products for a child in their home completed anonymous surveys in English and Spanish. RESULTS: Children's ages ranged 0-47 months old, average 23.9 months. Most children had Medicaid healthcare coverage (80.7%; n = 5,154) or were uninsured (9.4%; n = 647). Fewer children experienced diaper dermatitis after receiving diaper bank products (p < .001) resulting in fewer healthcare visits and treatments (p < .001). Overall, participants reported children receiving diaper bank products experienced 41% fewer cases of diaper rash and 50% fewer cases of severe diaper rash. The annual cost of providing each child with a supplemental supply of diaper bank diapers ($211.56) is smaller than the annual societal cost of diaper insecurity ($659.10). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: The distribution of diapers by community diaper banks reduces the burden of pediatric illness and associated healthcare costs. Pediatric healthcare professionals and public practitioners are in an optimal position to screen for diaper need and refer to local diaper banks and diaper resources. Addressing diaper insecurity has implications for reducing the burden of social isolation and caregiver mental health.
Correction: Variability of Safe Sleep Practices Among Missouri PRAMS Participants 2016-2022.
Ahmed T, Giles L, Decker L … +1 more , Harbert K
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41432976 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Social Vulnerability is Associated with Greater Risk of Cesarean Delivery Following a Trial of Labor After Cesarean.
Tavella NF, Wetzler SR, McCarthy L … +4 more , Baptiste G, Stern T, DeBolt CA, Bianco AT
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41432975 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Following calls to reduce the prevalence of non-medically indicated cesarean deliveries (CD), there has been increased focus on trials of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). TOLAC requires a risk-benefit analysis,...
OBJECTIVES: Following calls to reduce the prevalence of non-medically indicated cesarean deliveries (CD), there has been increased focus on trials of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). TOLAC requires a risk-benefit analysis, as unsuccessful TOLAC resulting in CD may compound morbidity. Prior work has attempted to develop risk prediction models that guide TOLAC counseling and account for sociostructural barriers. This study examined associations between social vulnerability and birth outcomes among patients with a history of one prior CD. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included patients who attempted a TOLAC at term from 2016 - 2020. We divided patients into two groups: vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and CD. We analyzed social disparities including race and ethnicity, health insurance type, and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Chi-squared tests examined proportional differences between groups and multivariable logistic regressions examined adjusted odds ratios of a CD. RESULTS: We included 976 births. There were significant sociodemographic disparities in VBAC success. Greater rates of morbidity were observed in the CD group. Multivariable regression models revealed that patients with high vulnerability had a 1.2 (1.1, 1.5) greater adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of CD. Patients who identified as Black had a 2.0 (1.1, 3.3) greater aOR of CD compared to White patients. Patients with public (0.6 [0.4,0.9]) or no (0.3 [0.1,0.9]) health insurance coverage had lower aOR of CD. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that socially vulnerable patients may be more likely to have a CD, and social disparities persist in TOLAC outcomes. This suggests inclusion of social measures be considered with VBAC risk prediction.
Perceived Importance of Obstetric Quality Measures to Veterans Receiving Community-Based Obstetric Care.
Ngangmeni LN, Wallace KF, Kroll-Desrosiers A … +1 more , Mattocks KM
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41432974 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric care persist in the United States. Veterans enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care receive obstetric care from community providers enrolled in the VA C...
BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric care persist in the United States. Veterans enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care receive obstetric care from community providers enrolled in the VA Community Care Network (CCN), yet little is known about Veterans' prenatal care decision-making. This study described how Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Veterans select prenatal care providers and perceive hospital-level obstetric quality measures. METHODS: Pregnant BIPOC Veterans (n = 27) were identified from a community-based doula pilot (N = 29) at two VA medical centers. During semi-structured telephone surveys conducted around 20 weeks gestation, Veterans described factors influencing provider selection and rated the importance of three Joint Commission obstetric quality measures-cesarean birth, unexpected complications in term newborns, and exclusive breast milk feeding-on a 3-point scale ("not," "somewhat," or "very" important). Open-ended responses contextualized these ratings, and participants were asked if they knew how to access hospital-level quality data. RESULTS: Participants (mean age = 33 years) were predominantly Black (85.2%) and multiparous (70.4%). Provider selection was most influenced by geographic proximity (48.2%) and VA insurance coverage (44.4%). Hospital-level unexpected complications in term newborns was rated "very important" by 66.7%, followed by cesarean birth (48.1%) and exclusive breast milk feeding (40.7%). Most Veterans valued measures perceived as related to infant well-being. However, 74.1% did not know how to access quality data. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: BIPOC Veterans valued hospital-level obstetric quality measures related to infant outcomes and prioritized geographic accessibility and insurance coverage when selecting providers. Relevant, accessible quality information may allow Veterans to make better informed prenatal care decisions.
Evaluating the Impact of Gestational Weight Gain Based on an Increase in BMI Class in Patients with Obesity During Pregnancy.
Sullivan MV, Gillenwater JA, Young AJ … +3 more , Gray C, Paglia MJ, Mackeen AD
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41428182 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of BMI class increase during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study from 2009 to 2022 included singleton pregnancies with a pre-gravid BMI ≥ 30 kg/m th...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of BMI class increase during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study from 2009 to 2022 included singleton pregnancies with a pre-gravid BMI ≥ 30 kg/m that then increased ≥ 3 BMI points by the time of delivery. Patients without obesity and those who decreased BMI class were excluded. The primary composite outcome included fetal growth abnormalities, cesarean delivery, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, and stillbirth. Both superiority and equivalence analyses were performed. RESULTS: 16,835 pregnancies were included. The majority of patients were White/not Hispanic (80.3%) and multiparous (65.6%); co-morbidities increased as BMI increased. An increase from BMI class I to II led to more adverse outcomes than maintaining class I BMI (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06, 1.28), and equivalent outcomes as those who had a pre-gravid class II BMI (adjusted 90% CI, -0.022, 0.019; p < 0.01). This increased odds of adverse outcomes doubled when the BMI increase from I to II occurred prior to 30 weeks gestation (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21, 1.48). An increase from BMI class II to III led to higher odds of adverse outcomes than maintaining BMI class II (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.25, 1.58). The data does not provide sufficient evidence that the outcomes were equivalent to those with a pre-gravid BMI class III (adjusted 90% CI, -0.52, -0.017; p = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: For pregnant patients with obesity, recommendations for pregnancy management should be based on current BMI, rather than pre-gravid BMI.
Community-Led Solutions to Build Safer, More Equitable Places to Birth: The Baltimore Patients as Partners Project.
Stewart L, Reed-Vance M, Bruce T … +1 more , Schafer P
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41428181 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To describe a Patients as Partners maternity care quality improvement initiative. At the time the initiative was developed, the patient-provider relationship had emerged as a focal point in discussions of fact...
OBJECTIVE: To describe a Patients as Partners maternity care quality improvement initiative. At the time the initiative was developed, the patient-provider relationship had emerged as a focal point in discussions of factors contributing to racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. The experiences of Black maternity patients have been the subject of many studies and have yielded consistent findings, particularly around patient-provider communication failures during childbirth. METHODS: Baltimore Healthy Start partnered with the Preeclampsia Foundation to collect and curate the stories of Baltimore women who suffered maternal health complications. During 2020-2021, a total of 34 women participated in focus groups facilitated by the Preeclampsia Foundation in order to share and draw lessons from their recent birthing experiences. All of these women were Black. Six women presented their experiences and recommendations to improve care at three hospital forums in Baltimore, MD held at Mercy Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Sinai Hospital. Together, these three hospitals account for the majority of births in Baltimore. Combined, over 100 medical, nursing, and administrative staff attended the Patients as Partners in Maternity Care Forums. RESULT: Women reported feeling not listened to regarding pain, their birth plan, or being excluded from discussions and decisions regarding their care. Many women reported a belief that women of color are perceived as uneducated, therefore their opinion is viewed as less relevant; some women reported they believed this perception and treatment is exacerbated by preconceptions held by providers in relation to the education and intelligence of women receiving Medicaid coverage. Women offered a number of recommendations to improve the quality of care.
Integrating Obstetricians into Childbirth Education and Its Association with Reduced Intrapartum Interventions.
Selman HŞ, Selman SB, Çoker H … +1 more , Karabekir N
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41423513 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Global concern about unwarranted childbirth interventions has intensified, with calls for respectful, evidence-based intrapartum care that supports physiologic birth. While antenatal education for expectant p...
BACKGROUND: Global concern about unwarranted childbirth interventions has intensified, with calls for respectful, evidence-based intrapartum care that supports physiologic birth. While antenatal education for expectant parents is common, the impact of multidisciplinary childbirth education for obstetricians has been underexplored. METHODS: In a study of obstetricians (N = 112, M = 44.1 years, SD = 6.8, 57% female), those completing the Istanbul Birth Academy's Childbirth Educator and Doula Training (CEDT) program (n = 67) were compared with obstetricians without such training (n = 45) via a survey. Group differences were tested with independent-samples t test (Bonferroni-adjusted) and ANCOVA controlling for age, academic title, experience, low-risk caseload, and employer. RESULTS: Of 31 practices, 26 differed by t test; 19 remained significant after correction. In adjusted models, 21 practices differed. CEDT-trained clinicians reported lower routine enemas, frequent digital exams, continuous CTG, routine IV lines, and IV fluids to shorten labor, with greater oral intake and nonpharmacologic pain relief; they more often supported instinctive pushing, upright positions, and delayed cord clamping, and less often used lithotomy and routine neonatal suctioning. Primary cesarean in nulliparas was lower. CONCLUSION: This study's significance is that multidisciplinary childbirth educator-doula training for obstetricians is associated with fewer routine interventions and lower nulliparous primary cesarean rates. Prospective studies are warranted.
Influence of a Prenatal Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program on Diet and Household Food Security in a Low-Income, Urban Community.
Saxe-Custack A, LaChance J, Shipp G … +1 more , Haggerty D
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41413349 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: A prenatal fruit and vegetable prescription program (FVPP) was introduced in Flint, Michigan to increase access to fresh produce during pregnancy. This program provides $15 fresh fruit and vegetable prescri...
INTRODUCTION: A prenatal fruit and vegetable prescription program (FVPP) was introduced in Flint, Michigan to increase access to fresh produce during pregnancy. This program provides $15 fresh fruit and vegetable prescriptions to all prenatal patients during office visits, redeemable at a local farmers market and mobile market/food hub. The current study assessed changes in diet and food security throughout pregnancy among patients exposed to the prenatal FVPP. METHODS: This non-controlled longitudinal trial included prenatal patients at two low-income urban clinics presenting before 16 weeks' gestation. Participants completed surveys to assess diet (one automated 24-hour dietary recall) and food security (US Household Food Security Module: Six Item Short Form - National Center for Health Statistics), with follow-up surveys at mid-pregnancy and postpartum. RESULTS: A total of 118 pregnant women (mean age 26.32 ± 5.04 years, range 18-39 years) enrolled in the current study. Most identified as Black/African American (54.2%, n = 64), received Medicaid (66.9%, n = 79), and participated in The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children or WIC (62.4% at midpoint). Participants received an average of 8.81 ± 2.30 fruit and vegetable prescriptions, with two-thirds redeeming at least one (66.9%, n = 79). Household food security worsened from baseline to midpoint (p = 0.076) but improved from midpoint to postpartum (p = 0.013). Participants reported notable changes in dietary behaviors at critical points during their pregnancy. Primarily, significant improvements in mean daily consumption of fruits and vegetables (p = 0.027); total vegetables (p = 0.015); and vegetables excluding potatoes (p = 0.030) were observed from early pregnancy to midpoint. Alternatively, mean daily intake of fruits and vegetables (p = 0.007) and total vegetables (p = 0.029) decreased between midpoint in pregnancy and the early postpartum period. DISCUSSION: This study reveals the influence of a prenatal FVPP on diet and food security among prenatal patients living in one low-income, urban community. Results signal an urgent need for coordinated and comprehensive maternal supports that better address food and nutrition security during pregnancy and the early postpartum period.
Does Antenatal Care Integrate with Home Visits Effect Perinatal Outcomes? A Randomized Control Trial.
Demir Yildirim A, Hotun Şahin N
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41407980 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether the combination of home visits and traditional antenatal care leads to better perinatal outcomes than standard antenatal care alone does and to assess the level of...
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether the combination of home visits and traditional antenatal care leads to better perinatal outcomes than standard antenatal care alone does and to assess the level of perinatal knowledge. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial design was used in this study. The study was conducted with pregnant women in their first trimester who were registered at Family Health Centers (primary care) in a district of Istanbul. The study sample consisted of 32 women in the intervention group and 32 women in the control group. Pregnant women in the intervention group participated in an antenatal care program integrated with home visits, whereas those in the control group participated in a standard antenatal care program. The primary outcome of this randomized controlled trial was the change in perinatal knowledge score, which was assessed using a validated perinatal knowledge questionnaire administered before the intervention (pretest) and after program completion (posttest). Secondary outcomes included birth-related characteristics such as mode of delivery, maternal postpartum depressive symptoms as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and breastfeeding self-efficacy as assessed by the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics. Following the intervention, perinatal knowledge scores significantly increased in both groups; however, the increase was significantly greater in the intervention group (P < .05). Whereas pretest knowledge scores were comparable between groups, posttest scores were significantly higher in the intervention group. Additionally, the quality and completeness of antenatal care received were markedly better among women in the intervention group. The rate of term deliveries (≥ 40 weeks) was significantly greater and the rate of preterm/early-term deliveries was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < .05). Although there was a statistically significant relationship between group allocation and the planned mode of delivery, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of postpartum depression scores or breastfeeding self-efficacy levels. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Integrating structured home visits into routine antenatal care significantly improves the level of perinatal knowledge and quality of care received. This intervention increases maternal readiness and contributes to more informed and confident decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth. CLINICAL STUDY REGISTRATION: Since our research constituted a randomised controlled study, it was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov website under ClinicalTrials ID No. NCT04628598.
Low Calcium Intake in High-Risk Pregnant Women: What are the Associated Factors?
Paulino DSM, Dos Reis IO, F A Amaral-Moreira C … +1 more , Surita FG
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41385143 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the dietary calcium intake in high-risk pregnant women and determine the factors associated with the adequacy of the calcium requirements. METHODS: A prospective cohort study w...
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the dietary calcium intake in high-risk pregnant women and determine the factors associated with the adequacy of the calcium requirements. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out with adult high-risk pregnant women, in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sociodemographic data, obstetric history, maternal comorbidity, pre-gestational body mass index were collected from medical records and three 24-h dietary recalls were performed. RESULTS: A total of 125 pregnant women were included. The mean calcium intake was 652.76 ± 294.58 mg/day and 24.8% of women had adequate calcium intake. We found a correlation between low daily calcium intake (< 800 mg) with non-white pregnant women (p 0.017), and obesity (p = 0.010). Eating frequency demonstrated an inverse correlation with low daily calcium intake (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Dietary calcium intake was insufficiente for most high risk pregnant women in this study. Eating frequency was associated with improved calcium intake, while obesity and non-White race/ethnicity were risk factors for inadequate intake.
Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Child Injury Risk.
Bryant LA, Morrongiello BA
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41385142 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Unintentional injury poses a health threat to children, and toddlerhood (2 to 4 years) is a particularly vulnerable period. At this stage, parental intervention and monitoring are essential for mitigating inju...
OBJECTIVE: Unintentional injury poses a health threat to children, and toddlerhood (2 to 4 years) is a particularly vulnerable period. At this stage, parental intervention and monitoring are essential for mitigating injury risk. Maternal depressive symptoms are associated with greater frequency of injuries to young children in the home, however, our understanding of why remains limited. This study examined associations between maternal depressive symptoms and reactions to children's injury-risk behaviors, as well as children's injury rates. METHOD: The sample comprised 84 mothers of children (24-47 months) and included a broad range of scores for symptoms of depression. Participants provided questionnaire and observational data. RESULTS: Mothers with more elevated depressive symptoms had children who experienced higher injury rates. These mothers showed frequent reactions to intervene when children were engaging in risk behaviors, however, they responded with ineffective strategies (i.e., increased prohibitions, reduced teaching). CONCLUSION: Mothers having greater depressive symptoms focused more on stopping children's risk behaviors than teaching about safety, and children had higher injury rates.
The Impact of Mothers' Perceptions of Partners' Emotional Distress on Mother-Infant Bonding: Mediating Effects of Maternal Depression and Anxiety.
Albuquerque S, Sousa B, Beato A … +1 more , Alves S
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41351713 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Having a child is a shared experience where partners influence each other's adaptation to parenthood. While much research focuses on mother-infant bonding, the impact of partners' psychological functioning on...
OBJECTIVES: Having a child is a shared experience where partners influence each other's adaptation to parenthood. While much research focuses on mother-infant bonding, the impact of partners' psychological functioning on this outcome is underexplored. This study investigated how mothers' perceptions of partners' pre- and postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms affect mother-infant bonding difficulties and whether mothers' own symptoms mediate these relationships. METHOD: A sample of 525 Portuguese women (M age = 32.85, SD = 5.13) with infants < 24 months completed an online survey from February to March 2020. Assessments included history of depression and anxiety, current symptoms, perceptions of partners' symptoms, and mother-infant bonding difficulties. Multiple hierarchical linear regressions and mediation analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Women's current depressive symptoms and perceptions of partners' current anxiety symptoms were associated with greater bonding difficulties. In contrast, perceptions of partners' prenatal anxiety symptoms were associated with fewer bonding difficulties. Perceptions of higher levels of partners' current depressive symptoms were indirectly related to increased bonding difficulties through mothers' own depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Partners' psychological functioning impacts mothers' adaptation to motherhood differently across the perinatal period. Perceived prenatal anxiety in partners may serve as a protective factor, whereas postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms contribute to bonding difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of considering dyadic processes in understanding and supporting parent-infant relationships.
Correction: Development and Psychometric Properties of the Diarrhea Management Scale for Mothers (DiMaM).
Aközlü Z, Göbekli A, Yıldız S
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Feb · PMID 41335360 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
A Community-Centered Approach to Strengthening Perinatal Care Connections.
Adyniec M, Hartmann E, Hendricks A … +3 more , Jogleker N, Sarkar J, Dravid N
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41317221 · Full text
PURPOSE: Racial disparities in maternal health outcomes are a public health crisis in the U.S. Adequate connection to pregnancy-related resources is a strategy for improving maternal outcomes (Trost et al., in Pregnancy-...
PURPOSE: Racial disparities in maternal health outcomes are a public health crisis in the U.S. Adequate connection to pregnancy-related resources is a strategy for improving maternal outcomes (Trost et al., in Pregnancy-related deaths: Data from maternal mortality review committees in 36 States, 2017-2019. Centers for disease control and prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/erase-mm/data-mmrc.html , 2022), yet patients receive little support navigating complex systems. We tested the feasibility of a transition-of-care program that identifies individuals in early pregnancy who visit the emergency department (ED) and facilitates connections to needed healthcare and supportive resources. DESCRIPTION: This pilot used a regional Health Information Exchange (HIE) to identify people from EDs across four counties in South Jersey with evidence of a current or recent pregnancy and limited connection to care. Eligible patients were assigned to a partner site who contacted them to offer scheduling support for pregnancy-related care and connection to supportive resources. The pilot initially focused on prenatal care but expanded to include other supports based on patient needs. ASSESSMENT: Of the 2073 eligible patients, 896 were contacted, and 379 accepted one or more types of support. Support was accepted across racial, ethnic, age, and insurance groups. CONCLUSION: This pilot illustrated that a perinatal transition of care program from the ED to appropriate pregnancy-related services and resources is feasible. The ED provides a unique opportunity to identify and engage people early in pregnancy who might face barriers to accessing timely care. The model reduced reliance on self-navigation and addressed common access challenges.
Community-Rooted Innovation: Transforming Maternal Health Through the Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative.
Ong G, Asare L
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41288851 · Full text
The maternal health crisis in the United States continues to affect some communities more severely than others, often due to historic and systemic barriers to care. Addressing these challenges requirehs solutions that ar...
The maternal health crisis in the United States continues to affect some communities more severely than others, often due to historic and systemic barriers to care. Addressing these challenges requirehs solutions that are built with, and trusted by, the communities they serve. This supplement highlights the Safer Childbirth Cities initiative, a multi-year investment by Merck for Mothers and philanthropic partners that supported twenty community-based organizations across the country. These organizations implemented a wide range of approaches-including community-based doula care, storytelling initiatives, health information exchange systems, and new ways of defining and measuring evidence-to improve maternal health outcomes in their cities. By elevating local leadership, building trust through collaboration, and tailoring care to reflect the knowledge and needs of patients, the efforts featured here provide valuable lessons on how maternal health systems can be reshaped to deliver high quality, accessible, and culturally responsive care.
Legal Reform to Address Key Drivers of Racial Inequities in Maternal Health: A Multi-method Analysis of California Laws & Regulations from 2019 to 2023.
De Ornelas M, Warner M, Jones L … +2 more , Hooper S, Garrett SB
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Feb · PMID 41222839 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: California has taken various actions with the goal of advancing maternal health equity. We analyze recent California laws and regulations using a novel conceptual model to understand whether and how they targ...
OBJECTIVES: California has taken various actions with the goal of advancing maternal health equity. We analyze recent California laws and regulations using a novel conceptual model to understand whether and how they target expert-identified drivers of inequities in maternal health. METHODS: Using policy review and deductive thematic analysis, we evaluated whether recent state laws and regulations in California sought to directly intervene on healthcare-based drivers of racial inequities in maternal health as conceptualized by a CDC-convened expert workgroup. RESULTS: We identified 13 laws/regulations enacted between 2019-2023 that aimed to improve maternal health. All intervened on one or more healthcare-based drivers of inequities. Two (15%) targeted Driver 1 - Problems in communication, stereotyping, and other interpersonal interactions, resulting from interpersonal racism, by e.g., requiring provider anti-bias training. One (8%) targeted Driver 2 - Differential and/or suboptimal treatment for minoritized populations within healthcare settings (e.g., lower-quality care, inequitable burdens of hospital policies; resulting from institutional racism), by making reporting discrimination easier for patients. Twelve (92%) targeted Driver 3 - Lack of resources and/or policies that could support the health and healthcare of minoritized populations, stemming from structural racism, by e.g., expanding access to midwifery and doula care or diversifying the maternal health workforce. DISCUSSION: California's recent maternal health-focused laws/regulations have primarily targeted inadequate or inequitable structural resources (Driver 3). Few directly intervened on Drivers 1 or 2. These findings provide a useful grounding for future policy research and reveal the advantages of assessing policies in terms of mechanism-focused intervention targets. Policy implications and potential levers are discussed.
Variability of Safe Sleep Practices Among Missouri PRAMS Participants 2016-2022.
Ahmed T, Giles L, Decker L … +1 more , Harbert K
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41191224 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Public health efforts have led to a decline in infant sleep-related deaths since 1990. Yet 3,700 infant sleep-related deaths occurred in the United States (U.S) in 2022, including sudden infant death syndro...
INTRODUCTION: Public health efforts have led to a decline in infant sleep-related deaths since 1990. Yet 3,700 infant sleep-related deaths occurred in the United States (U.S) in 2022, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation in bed, and other unknown causes. Understanding variances in maternal characteristics and the influence on infant sleep practices, may allow for the use of targeted interventions to assist in addressing preventable infant deaths. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify demographic groups among mothers in the 2016–2022 Missouri PRAMS cohort, self-reported information about infant safe sleep practices and their likelihood of adherence to safe sleep guidelines. METHODS: Mothers who answered the infant sleep questions in the phase 8 PRAMS questionnaire were included in the sample. A scoring system was created to assess adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for infant safe sleep. Associations with maternal demographic characteristics and healthcare provider advice for safe sleep practice were analyzed. Multiple linear regression models were computed using the continuous safe sleep variable, including and excluding back-to-sleep provider recommendation and breastfeeding status. RESULTS: Most mothers (49.2%) reported always/almost always practicing infant safe sleep recommendations. Those significantly less likely to adhere included those who reported not being married (36.3%), < 20 years of age (30.3%), never breastfed (43.8%), living in a rural area (42.5%), and attaining less than a high school diploma (33.3%). Provider advice for “back to sleep” was a significant predictor for safe sleep score across regression models, along with marital status, education, and regional residence. DISCUSSION: Understanding the demographic characteristics of mothers who reported less likely practicing safe sleep habits can allow providers and public health messaging to modify their messaging for an impactful change in reducing infant mortality. It is evident from this study that widespread messaging to all mothers is essential. Results show that most mothers of infants report receiving safe sleep education, yet a significant number report not following the guidelines. Future public health efforts to promote safe sleep need to focus on incorporating ways to encourage a change in behavior by understanding perceived barriers and social norms around infant sleep practices. LIMITATIONS: Declining response rate among PRAMS participants’ unwillingness or inability to respond to the survey is a limiting factor to this study. Self-reporting information may lead to answers based on what is socially acceptable rather than the truth.
The Effects of Air Pollutants on Antenatal and Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Fan Z, Yang Z, Sun L … +2 more , Cao Z, Zhang F
Matern Child Health J · 2025 Dec · PMID 41160387 · Publisher ↗
AIMS: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between maternal depression and exposure to air pollution. REVIEW METHODS: A meta-analysis following PRISMA methodology was conducted to examine the associati...
AIMS: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between maternal depression and exposure to air pollution. REVIEW METHODS: A meta-analysis following PRISMA methodology was conducted to examine the association between maternal depression and exposure to air pollution. From inception to February 2025, five online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycINFO) were used to search studies. Summary estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the correlation between each pollutant and the risk of depression. We aggregated the cumulative estimates were pooled using random-effects models. To evaluate within-study heterogeneity, Cochran's Q test and I statistics were applied. Additionally, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: The analysis revealed distinct associations between various air pollutants and depression. While no significant correlation was found for CO, PM and SO an elevated risk of depression was observed for PM and NO with every 10 µg/m3 increase in these pollutants. Surprisingly, O was negatively associated with maternal depression. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis highlights air pollution as a potential risk factor for maternal depression, revealing variations in risk across different pollutants. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions and the need for further research to gain a deeper understanding and effectively address the impact of air pollution on maternal mental health.
Home Based Management of Diarrhea Contributes to Health Care Seeking Delays Among Caregivers of Under Five Children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Azene M, Eisenberg JNS, Espira L … +7 more , Abebe Z, Habtamu A, Iweriebor BC, Mkolo NM, Shibeshi W, Assefa S, Baye K
Matern Child Health J · 2025 Dec · PMID 41160386 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: If not managed appropriately, diarrheal disease can lead to severe outcomes such as dehydration, secondary bacterial infections, and mortality. Seeking health care in a timely manner is known to improve the p...
BACKGROUND: If not managed appropriately, diarrheal disease can lead to severe outcomes such as dehydration, secondary bacterial infections, and mortality. Seeking health care in a timely manner is known to improve the prognosis of diarrheal disease episodes. The aim of this study was to determine the drivers of delay in health seeking among children's caregivers notably in urban settings. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study at two health centers, Weyzero Beletshachew Public Health Center and Lideta Health Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Caregivers of infants and children aged 6-59 months who sought treatment for a child's diarrhea at the two health centers were included in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 330 caregivers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with a 24-hour delay in health care seeking. RESULTS: We found that 65.2% of caregivers waited 24 h after the onset of diarrhea before seeking health care. Delay in health care seeking was significantly associated with the child's age being 6-23 months (AOR, 2.12; 95% CI 1.16-3.86), caregivers poor knowledge about diarrhea (2.11; 95% CI 1.17-3.77), caregivers not using rice water to manage child's diarrhea at home (AOR, 0.47; 95% CI 0.24-0.92), and caregivers who didn't immediately go to the health center during the first diarrhea episode (AOR, 2.17; 95% CI 1.11-4.24). CONCLUSION: Delay in seeking health service to manage child diarrhea is significant. Educating caregivers about the signs, prevention and mode of transmission of diarrhea and appropriate home management can reduce delay in health care seeking thus improving the prognosis of diarrheal disease episodes.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe