Innovations in Maternal Health

There’s a maternal health crisis in Texas. The nurses of Any Baby Can’s Nurse-Family Partnership program see it every day in an especially vulnerable population: first-time pregnant mothers who are below the poverty level.

Preeclampsia is the most common preventable cause of maternal mortality. In Texas, preeclampsia occurs in 5-8% of pregnant mothers, however our Nurse-Family Partnership program reports that up to 14% of its high-risk, low-income clients are affected in one year. Pregnant women are also affected by mental health issues with 10% to 20% clinically diagnosed with post-partum depression. If not treated early, depression can affect the long-term health and well-being of their families.

Any Baby Can is excited to announce a new grant from the UnitedHealth Foundation to implement two innovative practices through our Nurse-Family Partnership program. Our collective goal is to reduce maternal mortality due to preeclampsia and support women suffering from mental health issues.

"The need is great for expanded maternal care services in our community and we hope mothers appreciate — now more than ever — that they can turn to our Nurse-Family Partnership program for health advice and services that address the mental, physical and psychological health of the whole family," said Veronda Durden, chief executive officer of Any Baby Can.

Furthermore, with increased funding and capacity, our nurses will teach pregnant mothers self-monitoring practices and how to use a blood pressure gauge. As part of routine visits, clients already have their blood pressure taken more regularly than typical obstetric visits. Now, women who have a high blood pressure reading or begin to trend upward will be given a blood pressure monitor and encouraged to track daily. Nurses also educate women about prenatal and post-natal danger signs (e.g., headaches, nausea, visual disturbance). This information can save lives!