Bridging the gaps with telehealth
Telehealth during pregnancy may be an option for some patient care.
Can telehealth help the community you serve?
From 2021 to 2022, the maternal mortality rate decreased from 32.9 deaths to 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was still significantly higher than the rates for White, Hispanic, and Asian women. Telehealth can break down barriers in access to care, including:
- Routine prenatal and postpartum care for patients who lack transportation and/or live in rural areas
- Genetic counseling
- Remote monitoring
- Access to sub-specialists
- Prenatal and postpartum mental health services
Telehealth can also assist with antepartum and postpartum complications. These conditions include:
- Pre-eclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- HELLP (Hemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome
- Postpartum depression
- Infection
Tip: Some of these conditions require in-person care.
Did you know?
Over 50 percent of women living in rural areas live more than 30 minutes from a hospital with obstetrical services. More than 10 percent of pregnant people in these rural areas must drive 100 miles or more for obstetrical care. Having to travel long distances to get maternal health care often leads to higher rates of delayed prenatal care and increased risk for maternal and antenatal health complications.
Telehealth vs in-person maternal care
Telehealth is not the primary way that most patients access maternal health services; but telehealth can be a critical step towards increasing prenatal care and decreasing maternal morbidity rates.
There are also options for in-person care without the patient having to travel long distances to see an OB-GYN in person. Some diagnostic tests and imaging, including ultrasound, can be performed remotely from tertiary centers in local hospitals. Patients can also receive virtual consultations with specialists.
While technology continues to evolve, telehealth cannot be used to deliver all maternal health care services. Services that require in-person visits include:
- Internal exams
- Diagnosis and treatment for severe illness
- Treatment for high-risk patients
More information
Improving Access to Maternal Health Care in Rural Communities (PDF) — Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services
Maternal Mortality — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program (RMOMS) — Health Resources and Services Administration
HEAR HER Campaign — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention