Virtua Health Recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Annual Event Aims to Reduce Health Risks for Women Giving Birth
Every year, Virtua Health recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day. Today, January 23, is dedicated to helping people learn about the maternal mortality crisis in the United States and what can be done to reduce the health risks for women giving birth.
Many people are alarmed to discover that the United States is the only “developed” country with a rising maternal mortality rate – and that approximately 80% of those maternal deaths are preventable. Fortunately, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. maternal mortality rate for 2022 decreased to 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with a rate of 32.9 in 2021.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the major complications that account for nearly 75% of all maternal deaths are severe bleeding after childbirth, infections after childbirth, high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), complications from delivery, and unsafe abortion.
New Jersey has seen its national ranking for maternal mortality improve from 47th to 28th, although the state has a wide racial disparity for maternal mortality.
Virtua has been at the forefront of developing processes and protocols that identify and treat the conditions that can endanger a mother’s life. Virtua’s overall statistics for cesarian sections for low-risk women have met the Healthy People 2030 target for the last four years. Likewise, in 2024, the percentage of women experiencing severe range blood pressure who received treatment within 60 minutes of onset exceeded the target of 80% at all three hospitals offering maternity services.
“These protocols reflect our work to apply critical thinking, to discern the most appropriate care plan, and to ensure equity. We have found new, effective techniques to identify potential problems earlier, and we quickly address those problems to ensure the best outcomes for mothers and babies,” explained Nicole Lamborne, MD, Virtua’s vice president of clinical operations for women’s health.
Virtua, South Jersey’s largest health system, welcomed 8,944 babies in 2024. Maternity services are available at three of Virtua’s five hospitals and at Virtua’s freestanding Midwifery Birth & Wellness Center in Voorhees, which promotes a natural birth experience.
Preeclampsia and a Hospital Stay
Harley Earley was experiencing a healthy pregnancy until her 31st week. While at work, she observed that her hands were swollen, which made it difficult for her to type. A coworker took her blood pressure, which was extremely high, and encouraged her to leave and see her doctor. Harley hesitated since she had an appointment scheduled in two days, but her coworker was persistent and convinced her to see her doctor after several hours of consistently high blood pressure readings. When seen by her provider, Harley was diagnosed with preeclampsia—a type of pregnancy-related high blood pressure that affects 5% to 8% of pregnancies and is on the rise in the U.S. She was immediately sent to the nearest hospital, Virtua Mount Holly Hospital. Harley was admitted and remained an inpatient for the next 23 days, during which she received medication and continuous monitoring to maintain stable blood pressure until induction at 34 weeks for a safe delivery.
Harley and her wife Gabby speak fondly about their medical team, which supported and cared for them during Harley’s hospital stay. Harley and Gabby were regularly updated on Harley's care plan and medical status. Gabby often communicated with Harley’s physicians via Facetime when she couldn’t physically be with Harley because of her work schedule. Their care team became their friends, too. Many of their nurses would stop by to visit when they were assigned to other units. One nurse even braided Harley’s hair before her first visit with her daughter in the Special Care Nursery.
“Our team made us feel so comfortable,” explained Harley. “We saw the doctors at least twice daily and our nurses and technicians were always available. I was so well cared for. Everyone took time with us and answered every single question we had. We really bonded with the whole team during my hospital stay.”
A TeamBirth Experience and a Healthy Baby Girl
Virtua has enacted the TeamBirth Initiative in all of its maternity units, which empowers laboring parents to be active participants in the birthing process. Care plans and the patient’s progress are posted on a planning board located in all labor and delivery rooms. The full care team, which includes the person giving birth and their support person, meets frequently in dedicated “huddles” to make sure all parties are informed and engaged. Huddles allow patients to voice their emotions, opinions, and concerns in a respectful, encouraging environment. Harley and Gabby equate their entire hospital stay as a TeamBirth like experience. Their medical team kept the couple well-informed and supported
“We really wanted to have this team deliver our baby girl,” explained Gabby. “I realize that I asked a lot of questions, but the team welcomed the opportunity to ensure I understood everything and was an active participant in Harley’s care.”
Finally, the big day arrived on December 23, 2024, and Harley delivered baby girl Wrenley, 5 pounds, 16.5 inches long. After Wrenley’s short stay in The Special Care Nursery, the family went home—happy and healthy.
Minimizing Maternal Risks:
While some medical issues can develop during pregnancy, the following advice can help prevent and treat severe pregnancy-related complications.
- Start prenatal care early in pregnancy.
- Continue to see a healthcare provider throughout pregnancy.
- Be aware of how you are feeling and report all symptoms and changes in health to your doctor.
- After delivery, attend postpartum visits with a healthcare provider.
About Virtua Health:
Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua Health is an academic health system committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 41 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 400 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.
Virtua has 3,000 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is academically affiliated with Rowan University, leading research, innovation, and immersive education at the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. Virtua is also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer care and neurosciences, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
As a not-for-profit health system, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, most notably the “Eat Well” food access initiative, which includes the unparalleled Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store. Discover more at virtua.org.