Bridging the gaps with telehealth
Telehealth during pregnancy may be an option for some patient care.
Can telehealth help the community you serve?
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.
Telehealth vs in-person maternal care
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