As investment into digital health continues to surge, the industry is discussing opportunities for using and improving the technology. Research shows that combatting misinformation can reduce preventable pregnancy health risks, and that racial disparities among pregnant women include disproportionate increases in PPD for women of color.  

As more information is unveiled revealing the harmful effects of social healthcare disparities on minority groups, efforts are being made to find solutions. New strategies in the digital health space include an emerging government-backed tech program. The industry delves into trends around worsening pregnancy outcomes and increasing risk. 

In the news, maternal mental health continues to show itself a massive casualty of the pandemic, and industry professionals are weighing better ways to assess and manage it in the future. As the digital health boom enters into its post-pandemic stage, some tools are standing out from among the rest, and patient experience is a central concern. 

Concern over the pandemic may be winding down, but the repercussions continue as healthcare professionals are focusing on underlying or underreported problems that Covid brought to light. More research is emerging on the frequency of maternal mental health health issues and the repercussions for children; the postpartum time period is receiving attention; and providers, payors, and startups are looking for innovative ways to stem the continuing crisis of maternal mortality.

As Covid wanes, lawmakers are considering permanent expansion of pandemic era reimbursement codes; and health systems face competition from new care models taking on capitated risk. Questions of health equity continue to dominate the healthcare industry, and experts push for Medicaid expansion to reduce disparity.  

The Black Maternal Health Caucus unveiled the Momnibus Act last week, a legislative package of 12 standalone bills targeted to address maternal health disparities for Black mothers and other mothers of color. Covid concerns continue to keep the spotlight on virtual care as industry professionals weigh the benefits of remote monitoring and digital tools for enhancing maternal health outcomes during the pandemic and beyond.  

As we welcome a new administration to the White House, the maternal health field is hopeful for a future where maternity issues take a primary position in Congress. A story from our backyard in Washington DC shows how far we have still to go in advocating for maternal health policy. 

Plus, a new section in our roundup brought to you by Babyscripts Senior Medical Director, Dr. Lauren Demosthenes - check out the Consumer Corner!

The new year has brought with it an onrush of predictions about digital health in 2021, while the new coronavirus vaccine has raised questions about whether health systems will continue to invest in digital health post-pandemic. Venture capitalists are putting their dollars and confidence into digital transformation, and digital healthcare startups are navigating the new normal.

As digital health becomes standard in the delivery of care, industry leaders discuss concerns around interoperability and data sharing, and maternal health professionals consider the implications for restructuring pregnancy care. The new Covid vaccine continues to raise questions around safety and efficacy for pregnant moms, and as the end of the year approaches the field looks forward to digital health in 2021.

The new coronavirus vaccine has dominated the news cycle this week, with the maternal health community questioning its efficacy and potential harm to pregnant women, and whether or when they will be in line to receive it. Mental health continues to be major concern for the maternal population, especially as the weather gets cold and the holidays approach. Plus, exciting news from Babyscripts!