Axios Vitals 6/24/2024

America has become much more aware of the health risks facing new mothers, but the health care system is still trying to catch up. Why it matters: More than half of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States occur up to one year after birth, a largely preventable tragic toll that disproportionately affects Black and Native American women. Catch up quick: Postpartum care has traditionally been limited to a physical and mental health checkup at an OB-GYN six weeks after giving birth. State of play: Medical societies and governments have been revising postpartum care guidelines, calling for more care and better insurance coverage. Yes, but: There's a long way to go, experts say. Maternal care needs "a change in culture," said Tamika Auguste, an OB-GYN who helped draft updated care guidelines in 2018. "Other disciplines outside of obstetrics are just now realizing that they, too, have a role in maternal mortality." Go deeper Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios Rising health care pric

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