Severe maternal morbidity and infant health and healthcare utilization: A scoping review
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Sze Yan Liu
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 9:59 AM
Description
Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) refers to serious short- or long-term mental and physical health conditions resulting from pregnancy or delivery. Over the past three decades, SMM has increased significantly, disproportionately affecting Black women. SMM is linked to adverse postpartum maternal outcomes, including higher risks of maternal death, cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and substance use—all of which can have lasting effects on maternal well-being and overall quality of life. Given that maternal health is a critical determinant of infant well-being, mothers experiencing severe health complications may face challenges in providing optimal care, potentially leading to adverse infant health outcomes and increased healthcare utilization. While the impact of SMM on maternal health is well-documented, the spillover effects on infant health and healthcare utilization remain less understood. This scoping review aims to address this critical gap by examining the association between SMM and infants’ subsequent health outcomes and healthcare use, highlighting gaps in the current literature and identifying areas for future research and intervention.
Severe maternal morbidity and infant health and healthcare utilization: A scoping review
Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) refers to serious short- or long-term mental and physical health conditions resulting from pregnancy or delivery. Over the past three decades, SMM has increased significantly, disproportionately affecting Black women. SMM is linked to adverse postpartum maternal outcomes, including higher risks of maternal death, cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and substance use—all of which can have lasting effects on maternal well-being and overall quality of life. Given that maternal health is a critical determinant of infant well-being, mothers experiencing severe health complications may face challenges in providing optimal care, potentially leading to adverse infant health outcomes and increased healthcare utilization. While the impact of SMM on maternal health is well-documented, the spillover effects on infant health and healthcare utilization remain less understood. This scoping review aims to address this critical gap by examining the association between SMM and infants’ subsequent health outcomes and healthcare use, highlighting gaps in the current literature and identifying areas for future research and intervention.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.