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03/07/2025: The State of Maternity Care and Digital Health

Written by The Babyscripts Team | March 7
In the news, multiple research studies reveal new information about pregnancy complications and their long term implications, including new data around blood pressure related issues, postpartum depression, and the link between psychological and cardiovascular health. The healthcare industry is navigating the transition of government, and Babyscripts discusses the power of digital health technology for leveling the playing field in maternal health outcomes.

3/05, USC Newsroom: Prenatal maternal stressors linked to higher blood pressure during first year after birth, study shows

The study investigated whether mothers who reported higher perceived stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy, developed higher blood pressure in the four-year period after birth. The findings showed higher stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were associated with greater blood pressure during the first year postpartum.

3/05, The New York Times: Women with Postpartum Depression Undergo Brain Changes During Pregnancy, Study Finds  

The research constitutes some of the first evidence that the postpartum depression is associated with modifications in the brain before childbirth.

3/04, NEJM: Postpartum Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Is Lower Better?

In this study, more-aggressive BP control was associated with a reduced likelihood of ED visits for hypertension within 6 weeks after delivery. 

2/25, AMA: Screening & treating maternal psychological health key to improving cardiovascular health

Identifying and treating risk factors for depression, anxiety and other psychological health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum may improve short- and long-term health outcomes for both mother and child.

2/22, Talking Points Memo: CDC Shutters PRAMS Program on Maternal and Infant Health

According to multiple sources, all data collection for 2024 is over and no data received after January 31st, 2025 is being accepted. The program is under an IRB review. 

From Babyscripts:

3/05, BlackDoctor.org: Reclaim Your Birth: The App Putting Power Back in Black Mothers’ Hands

Objective, data-driven RPM promotes health equity by removing the opportunity for human bias.
Babyscripts CEO Anish Sebastian discusses the ways in which maternal health tech is leveling the field for minority women and driving equitable outcomes.