Maternal Mortality Toolkit
What To Know
Maternal mortality is a critical global health issue, highlighting disparities in healthcare access and quality.
It is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of delivery.
Maternal mortality is a key indicator of a nation’s overall health system.
In 2020, approximately 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth according to the World Health Organization.
The majority of these deaths occur in low-resource settings and are largely preventable.
Reducing maternal mortality involves
Improving access to quality healthcare services.
Ensuring the presence of skilled health professionals during childbirth.
Addressing broader social determinants such as poverty, education, and gender inequality.
Focusing on these areas can help reduce maternal deaths and promote a safe and healthy future for mothers and their children worldwide.
Welcome to our Maternal Mortality Toolkit, designed to provide comprehensive resources and information on preventing maternal deaths.
Here, you will find a series of downloadable informational attachments covering key topics and strategies to improve maternal health outcomes.
Articles
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) include conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and, in rare cases, psychosis, affecting women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Symptoms—such as sadness, anxiety, irritability, sleep or appetite changes, and intrusive thoughts—can disrupt daily life and bonding with the baby. While causes aren’t fully known, hormonal shifts, genetics, and environment play a role. Help is available, and treatment can support recovery for both mother and child. See more resources below:
Incorporating Recognition and Management of Perinatal Depression Into Pediatric Practice – American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Treatment and Management of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum – ACOG
Peripartum Depression: Detection and Treatment – American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a serious issue with harmful effects on both mother and baby. It can cause physical harm, emotional trauma, and pregnancy complications like preterm labor or low birth weight. Abuse may include physical, emotional, financial, or social control. IPV also increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and may prevent women from seeking care. Recognizing and addressing IPV is essential for protecting maternal and child health. See more resources below:
Intimate Partner Violence: Role of the Pediatrician – American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Intimate Partner Violence – American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)
Intimate Partner Violence – American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Call/Text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE
Text: “START” to 88788
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call: 1-888-373-7888
Text: “INFO” to 233733
Suicide and Crisis Hotline
Call/Text: 988
Screening Tools
Screening tools help physicians identify Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in pregnant and postpartum patients. Standardized questionnaires and interviews support early detection, allowing for timely care, treatment, and safety planning. These tools are key to promoting the health and well-being of both mother and child. See below for PMAD and IPV screening tools:
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) – English
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) – Spanish
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Screen (HITS) Tool – English
Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Screen (HITS) Tool – Spanish
Printable Infographics
Printable Resources
IF concerns for PMADs (EPDS positive):
- Suicidality: Assess patient with suicide specific screening tool, call 988 or refer to closest emergency room.
- Mental Health Support: Website – For patients in distress, call VMAP for Moms+ to connect them with local resources. CALL: 1 (888) 371-8627 (Press “1” for VMAP for Moms+)
IF concerns for Intimate Partner Violence (HITS Positive)
- Immediate Danger: Virginia IPV hotline: Call: 1 (800) 838 8238 or Text: (804) 793-9999 to connect with an advocate.
- Crisis Support: Advocates can assist with emergency housing, transportation, or shelter options.
- Non-Crisis Support: Patients are offered safety planning and referrals to local support services.
IF Concerns for Human Trafficking
Report to Virginia State Police human trafficking tip line by texting “VSP” followed by the tip to 847411.
Quick action ensures safety and access to the right care.