NAM releases report on ways to reduce maternal mortality

A National Academy of Medicine consensus report recommends stronger clinical preventive services, better follow-up after delivery and improved care coordination to reduce maternal mortality. The report found cardiovascular conditions are a leading factor of U.S. pregnancy-related deaths, with more than 75% of deaths potentially preventable. However, opportunities to identify and manage risk are missed before, during, after and in-between pregnancies. Although maternal mortality data reveal 57% of deaths happen between seven days and one-year postpartum, preventive care related to cardiovascular risk most often occurs during prenatal care and the immediate postpartum period. The authors recommend the Health Resources and Services Administration expand preventive cardiovascular services by reducing barriers to care and improving postpartum care transitions, including building workforce capacity and expanding patient and clinician education. (NAM news release, 4/21/26)