New Study Links Lack of Maternal Care to Infant Mortality Increase in the U.S.

Understanding the Connection Between Maternal Care and Infant Mortality

A significant new study published in JAMA Network Open by March of Dimes has raised alarms regarding the high rates of infant mortality attributed to inadequate maternal care across the United States. Researchers analyzed over 18 million birth records from 2017 to 2021, revealing a worrying trend: infants born in counties lacking adequate maternity care facilities face a striking 14% increased risk of death during their first year.

The study, titled Maternity Care Access and Infant Mortality, highlights a crucial link between the accessibility of maternity care and the health outcomes of mothers and their newborns. One of the lead authors from March of Dimes, Ripley Lucas, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating, "The place where someone lives can significantly affect their survival chances in infancy." This insight underscores how critical it is to not only increase access to maternity services but also to enhance the overall quality of care available.

Findings on Maternal Care Access

Data from the study illustrates stark disparities, especially when comparing counties with full maternity care access against those with minimal or no services. The mortality rate escalated from 5.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in counties with comprehensive access to 6.5 in regions entirely deprived of such care. Even when accounting for known risk factors such as maternal education and pre-existing health conditions, the disparity is alarming; those born in areas without access to maternity care have a significantly elevated risk of infant mortality.

Disparities exist not only by region but also among different racial and ethnic groups. The study found that white infants born in counties lacking maternity services had a 20% higher mortality risk compared to peers born in fully serviced areas. Meanwhile, the data shows black infants consistently faced even higher mortality rates, a stark reminder of the racial inequities within healthcare.

Timing and Causes of Infant Deaths

The research not only highlights overall mortality rates but also distinguishes between neonatal (less than 28 days old) and post-neonatal deaths (28 days to 1 year). Babies from counties without maternity care showed a 15% higher risk of death in the neonatal phase and a 12% higher risk in the post-neonatal stage. The varying causes of these deaths call for different approaches to improve outcomes, starting from pre-pregnancy maternal health education.

Post-neonatal deaths displayed the greatest disparities, with rates of 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in areas lacking access compared to 1.8 in well-serviced counties, underlining the vital role of caregiver support and environmental factors.

Implications for Future Policies and Practices

The findings of this research beckon for an inclusive strategy aimed at reducing infant mortality rates across the country. To accomplish this, there must be a concentrated effort to widen access to maternity care, particularly in marginalized communities. Suggestions for improvement include enhancing healthcare quality, developing community programs, and building stronger care networks to mitigate the stark disparities observed.

In response, March of Dimes is taking active steps to elevate maternal and infant health through initiatives like its Mobile Health Centers for Mothers and Babies. These programs deliver essential prenatal and postpartum care to underserved communities, striving to bridge the gap in healthcare access. Additionally, March of Dimes advocates for policy reforms that enhance postnatal Medicaid coverage, increase support for doulas and midwives, grow telehealth services in rural areas, and combat structural racism that contributes to healthcare disparities.

A comprehensive wellness report from March of Dimes, which will come out next week, is expected to evaluate maternal and infant health nationwide, offering insights on trends in premature births and mortality rates. This report aims to highlight disparities and guide effective policy and program development to ensure every mother and baby receives a healthy start in life.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes has been at the forefront of improving the health of mothers and babies since its inception in 1938. The organization focuses on research, advocacy, and providing essential services to give every family the chance for a healthy beginning. To learn more about their efforts, visit marchofdimes.org or follow their social media channels @marchofdimes.