WEST READING, PA — As maternal mortality rates continue to rise across the United States, healthcare providers are rallying to raise awareness and provide critical education on maternal health. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists designated January 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day, also known as “1-2-3 for Maternal Health.”
The initiative aims to shed light on the concerning disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women. In Pennsylvania alone, the pregnancy-associated mortality ratio (PAMR) for Black women was 163 per 100,000 live births in 2022 – a figure that is double that of white women, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
Although Tower Health’s hospitals have not experienced a similar surge in maternal mortality rates, the organization remains committed to promoting maternal health awareness. The staff will recognize Maternal Health Awareness Day by wearing special stickers to facilitate dialogue about the importance of maternal health among colleagues and patients.
The urgency of this national conversation is underscored by the reality that many regions, including six counties in Pennsylvania, are considered maternity deserts, with no access to hospitals or OB/GYN care and services. Tower Health provides its patients access to premier medical experts and high-quality care at three hospitals: Reading Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. These hospitals offer comprehensive maternity services, including birthing services, neonatal intensive care units, and advanced care for high-risk pregnancies.
As part of their commitment to improve maternal morbidity and mortality rates, Tower Health offers preconception counseling, noninvasive prenatal testing, nuchal translucency screening, amniocentesis, and more.
Phoenixville Hospital and Reading Hospital have received numerous awards for their exceptional maternity services, including the Five-Star Distinction for Vaginal and C-Section Delivery, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center+ for maternity care, and the Birthing-Friendly Hospital designation from CMS.
“Our team is proud of the care we provide to new moms and their babies,” said Dr. Mark B. Woodland, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Reading Hospital and the Women’s Health Service Line lead. “We strive for every family to have a happy and healthy start to a long, wonderful life.”
Dr. Woodland encourages pregnant women to follow a series of health tips to decrease the risk of maternal mortality, including attending pre- and post-natal appointments as recommended by a physician, advocating for oneself during appointments, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
The rising rates of maternal mortality in the U.S., coupled with the stark racial disparities, underscore the importance of initiatives like Maternal Health Awareness Day. Through education and increased awareness, healthcare providers hope to ensure that all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or socio-economic status, can access the care they need for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
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