Parento’s Post

The latest MBRRACE-UK Saving Lives, Improving Mother’s Care report on women who died during or up to a year after pregnancy between 2020 and 2022 was released today. The findings of this report show persistent disparities in maternal mortality for women from Black and Asian ethnic backgrounds and for women living in the most deprived areas. A continued effort is required to ensure that women's individual needs are taken into account so that all women can experience equitable outcomes. By learning from these women's deaths we hope to improve care and prevent similar deaths and morbidity in the future. https://lnkd.in/ecaSbKwV

When we read about the social determinants of health (SDOH) and premature birth rates in 2024 and beyond, let us begin to tease out the social factors (e.g., maternal stress and/or food and housing insecurity) as they might contribute to early delivery. Does standing on one's feet for 8, 10, 12 hours a day earning a living contribute to maternal stress? Does this predispose a pregnant woman to give birth prematurely? What we're suggesting is that the devil is in the details. Since the data tell us that socioeconomic factors contribute to premature births, what can healthcare providers--including clinical and administrative social workers--do to create a protective shield around pregnant women most at risk? The Kaiser Permanente "Cocoon Care Model" offers an innovative safety net for pregnancy care. https://lnkd.in/euykaGj4

Women are still underrepresented in healthcare research which leads to a lack of information about their health. Dr Elpida Vounzoulaki is researching health inequalities for women following a diagnosis of gestational diabetes in pregnancy. She strives to work with policymakers to transform healthcare systems and tackle disparities among these women. #CitizensOfChange | #WorldDiabetesDay

Maternal morbidity and mortality remains a significant challenge, influenced by factors affecting both healthcare providers and pregnant individuals. Firstly, there is a noticeable lack of knowledge among healthcare providers regarding the identification and management of complications in pregnant women. This gap can lead to delayed or inadequate care. Additionally, many providers may hesitate to conduct necessary investigations or prescribe medications due to fears of legal repercussions, further compromising patient care. On the side of the pregnant individuals, barriers such as limited access to healthcare services and insufficient awareness of health issues are prevalent. Many women, especially in underserved communities, may not seek help due to a lack of understanding of the signs and symptoms that warrant medical attention. Empowerment also plays a crucial role. Often, pregnant women rely on the opinions of family members—such as mothers, sisters, or husbands—who may downplay the seriousness of their symptoms. This cultural perspective can discourage women from seeking timely medical care, perpetuating the cycle of morbidity and mortality. Addressing these multifaceted issues requires a concerted effort to improve education and awareness among both healthcare providers and pregnant women, ensuring that all individuals understand the importance of seeking appropriate care during pregnancy.

It is #WDD2024 #WorldDiabetesDay today! Find out more about my research by watching this short video!

The Power of Presence: Birth Companions in Delivery Rooms As a consultant gynecologist, I have witnessed firsthand how the presence of a birth companion can profoundly impact the delivery experience. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, having a trusted companion during labor provides emotional support, reduces anxiety, and empowers women to feel more confident throughout childbirth. Research consistently shows that continuous support from a birth companion can lead to better birth outcomes, including reduced rates of medical interventions, shorter labor durations, and higher maternal satisfaction. A calm, comforting presence can make all the difference in a time of vulnerability. At the heart of patient-centered care is the recognition that childbirth is not just a medical event but a deeply personal and emotional experience. Let’s continue to advocate for policies and practices that allow for birth companions to be present in every delivery room, ensuring that women feel supported every step of the way. #BirthCompanion #MaternalHealth #Obstetrics #WomenEmpowerment #PatientCare

Last week, our clinical team published new research drawing on data from more than 5,400 pregnancies that highlights the role digital health can play in influencing birth preferences and outcomes. Among those who preferred cesarean delivery at enrollment, greater engagement with our digital product was associated with five times increased odds of having a vaginal delivery. Reducing unnecessary C-sections improves maternal and infant health outcomes while decreasing healthcare costs for employers and health plans. These findings underscore the opportunity for digital health to empower parents-to-be with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions on their pregnancy journeys. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g-S6G8iD

How wrong could Jennifer Margulis be here??? Enough not to mention the CMAJ editorial that was raising questions about the study she referred to. But let’s look at why her narrative is so wrong. First, Canada offers universalized medicine which means that prenatal care is readily available and that all mothers are fully monitored throughout their pregnancies. This enables optimization of care and optimal management of mother’s and baby’s health. Only those not at risk or zero risk are directed to at-home birth. Should one be reminded that such care, too often, does not exist in the USA for too many mothers. Therefore, the generalization of this Canadian situation should not generalized to the USA or other countries… Second, the editorial raised an interesting question and clearly identified that these mothers were a highly selected cohort. One should state that “Some people consider it unsafe to give birth anywhere other than a hospital with a consultant unit, while others fear the iatrogenic effects of care given in such settings.” In effect, even women at high risk for complications may choose home birth over hospital birth based on previous traumatic experiences.  Safety needs to be considered in the context of geographic isolation as well. Access to maternity care is often limited in rural and remote areas. In Australia, numerous rural and regional maternity services have closed in recent years. The safety of home birth is contingent on readily available transport for emergency transfer to the hospital.

In America, more than 80% of deaths related to pregnancy are considered preventable. The top cause (nearly 1 in 4) is from mental health conditions. 1 in 5 pregnant patients report mistreatment during maternity care, and nearly 30% face discrimination. These troubling statistics disproportionately affect Black, multiracial, and Hispanic individuals. Often, bias in healthcare starts with labeling—whether a patient is deemed "non-compliant". For instance, a patient struggling with transportation might not be able to attend critical prenatal classes but is judged as non-compliant. And without supporing their mental health, the patient's ability to take on the huge changes in life is hindered. Addressing these gaps starts with acknowledging our own biases and recognizing that health is shaped not only by medical care but by the conditions in which people live. Technology can play a crucial role in reducing bias by identifying the touch points in patient interactions when providers can create more trust and less judgement. Emotivo’s technology supports this by analyzing patient-provider conversations, to identify gaps in social needs and improve culturally competent care. Rebekah Dailey, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, LSSGB thoughtful insights into this pressing issue highlight the importance of addressing these disparities head-on. By integrating tools like Emotivo, we can take meaningful steps toward more equitable, empathetic care for all patients. What are your thoughts on how healthcare can better address biases and support diverse communities? #emotivohealth #SDOH #MaternalHealth #HealthcareInnovation

Did you know? An estimated 350,000 women die annually from complications of pregnancy and childbirth globally. This statistic underscores the critical need for accessible and effective reproductive healthcare solutions. At VIA Global Health, we are committed to bridging the gap and enabling better health outcomes for women worldwide. Expand your reproductive health offerings with VIA Global Health solutions: ✅ More patients and better care: The products streamline workflows, letting providers see more women and deliver essential care. ✅ Easy to use with big impact: Designed for resource-limited settings, the solutions are simple to use and ensure access to critical care. ✅ Safer births for healthier moms and babies: VIA enables better outcomes from fetal monitoring to postpartum hemorrhage management. Become a part of equipping facilities with the tools needed to deliver essential reproductive care: https://hubs.ly/Q02Bwdvd0. #ReproductiveHealth #Innovation #WomensHealth #VIAGlobalHealth Janitri, Cure Medical Global, Izano.