Current Events in Maternal Health Care: August 2020

Once per month we discuss current events in maternal health care. In this installment, we are reviewing recent research and news in the maternal health world.

A recent post on the Evidence Based BirthⓇ Blog , titled Evidence on: PitocinⓇ During the Third Stage of Labor, discusses:

• the three different types of management in the third stage of labor (expectant management, traditional active management, and mixed management)
• early cord clamping
• rates of postpartum hemorrhage
• analysis of potential benefits and potential harms to active management and expectant management
• research on best practices for both active management and expectant management

In summary, EBBⓇ found that when options were discussed with birthing families so that they could make an informed decision, both modern active management and expectant management during the third stage of labor are reasonable options. EBBⓇ also found that parents should be supported in their choice regarding delayed cord clamping. An analysis of the birth setting’s ability to provide each type of third stage care should be conducted to inform decisions. Read the full blog here.

The Black Maternal Health Caucus hosted a virtual “2020 Black Maternal Health Caucus Stakeholder Summit: Passing the Momnibus and Promoting Black Maternal Health in 2020 and Beyond” on Monday, July 27, 2020. The Black Maternal Health Caucus was formed in 2019 by Representative Lauren Underwood and Representative Alma Adams. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus was introduced to Congress on March 10, 2020. Read more about the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 and why it is imperative that Congress act to advance Black maternal health here. Watch the virtual summit here.

Previous posts about current events in maternal health care:

May 2020 June 2020 July 2020