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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Maternal health and prenatal care

Maternal Health Begins Where Moms Live, Learn, and Work
Discusses the social and healthcare influences, particularly in rural areas, on maternal health and its effect on maternal mortality. Compares rural county and urban county data for Arizona state Medicaid coverage, amount of prenatal care received and when it was received, and the poverty rate.
Author(s): Bryna Koch, Benjamin Brady, Susan Coates, et al.
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
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Obstetric Delivery Inpatient Stays Involving Substance Use Disorders and Related Clinical Outcomes, 2016
Presents statistics from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) on delivery-related inpatient stays involving substance use disorders (SUDs). Types of SUDs reported include the use of opioids, cocaine, and other stimulants in urban and rural areas. Examines clinical outcomes at delivery including preterm delivery, severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage, and placental abruption. Compares delivery outcomes with or without SUD diagnosis, and by rural or urban residence of patient.
Author(s): Anita Soni, Kathryn R. Fingar, Lawrence D. Reid
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project
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Vital Signs: Burden and Prevention of Influenza and Pertussis Among Pregnant Women and Infants — United States
Examines influenza-associated hospitalization among pregnant women and infant hospitalization and death associated with influenza and pertussis. Includes data on vaccination rates for influenza and Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) among pregnant women in rural and nonrural areas.
Author(s): Megan C. Lindley, Katherine E. Kahn, Barbara H. Bardenheier, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 68(40), 885-892
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Telelactation via Mobile App: Perspectives of Rural Mothers, Their Care Providers, and Lactation Consultants
Analyzes the efficacy of direct-to-consumer (DTC) telelactation services in rural Pennsylvania in areas that lack in-person availability of international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs). Discusses potential challenges such as lack of personal relationships, preference for local resources, and limited WiFi in rural areas. Reflects on potential benefits including access to support and increased maternal breastfeeding confidence.
Author(s): Jill Demirci, Virginia Kotzias, Debra L. Bogen, Kristin N. Ray, Lori Uscher-Pines
Citation: Telemedicine Journal and E-Health, 25(9), 853-858
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
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Wyoming Vital Statistics Services - 2018 Annual Report
Provides vital statistics for the state of Wyoming, including data on birth rate, teen births, death rate, cause of death, and more. Tables include county-level data and show change over time.
Author(s): Guy Beaudoin, Mariah Storey
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Wyoming Department of Health
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Maternal Characteristics and Infant Outcomes in Appalachia and the Delta
Compares maternal characteristics and poor infant outcomes for women and children in the Delta and Appalachia regions with the rest of the United States. Includes charts showing distribution of births, preterm births, and infant mortality with data broken down by maternal characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and age.
Additional links: Supplemental Tables
Author(s): Anne Driscoll, Danielle Ely
Citation: National Vital Statistics Reports, 68(11)
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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State Strategies to Address Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Infants Prenatally Exposed to Substances, Including Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Identifies state strategies to improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder and infants prenatally exposed to substances, including opioids. Discusses strategies focused on access to and coordination of quality services, including approaches such as telemedicine that are useful in rural areas. Also discusses strategies related to provider awareness and training and other topics.
Author(s): Charlan D. Kroelinger, Marion E. Rice, Shanna Cox, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 68(36), 777-783
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Maternal Mortality in the United States
Provides an overview of maternal mortality in the United States. Discusses the increase in maternal mortality rates and factors that contribute to maternal deaths. Includes information specific to rural maternal mortality. Identifies policy solutions, including state maternal mortality review committees, and highlights efforts in California and North Carolina to address maternal mortality.
Author(s): Tara O'Neill Hayes, Carly McNeil
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Action Forum
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Improving Access to Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities
Highlights the issues affecting access to healthcare for women in rural communities before, during, and after pregnancy. Demonstrates the need for national, state, and community organizations to work together to develop a plan to improve access to care and the outcomes for rural women and their babies.
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Rural America Has a Maternal Mortality Problem. Midwives Might Help Solve It.
Highlights the role of certified professional midwives in providing access to maternal and newborn care using an example from an Amish area of Tennessee. Discusses differences in state policies and integration with local health systems. Includes a map identifying maternal mortality rates by state.
Author(s): April Simpson
Date: 08/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Pew Charitable Trusts
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