Abstract
Although maternal death remains rare in the United States, the rate has not decreased for 3 decades. The rate of severe maternal morbidity, a more prevalent problem, is also rising. Rise in maternal age, in rates of obesity, and in cesarean deliveries as well as more pregnant women with chronic medical conditions all contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. We believe it is the responsibility of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) subspecialists to lead a national effort to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity. In doing so, we hope to reestablish the vital role of MFM subspecialists to take the lead in the performance and coordination of care in complicated obstetrical cases. This article will summarize our initial recommendations to enhance MFM education and training, to establish national standards to improve maternal care and management, and to address critical research gaps in maternal medicine.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 442-448 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American journal of obstetrics and gynecology |
Volume | 208 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2013 |
Keywords
- maternal morbidity
- maternal mortality
- maternal-fetal medicine
- maternal-fetal medicine education
- maternal-fetal medicine research
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology