Mobilizing the fourth trimester to improve population health: interventions for postpartum transitions of care

Abstract

Birthing people in the United States, particularly those from marginalized communities, experience an unexpectedly high rate of morbidity and mortality. Optimal postpartum care is an opportunity to address immediate maternal health concerns while providing a connection to further high-value primary care. However, postpartum care in the United States is fragmented and incomplete. In response to this failure, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has called for obstetricians to develop individualized care plans that facilitate transitions from obstetrical to primary care after delivery. In this clinical opinion, we review previous interventions that have aimed to increase postpartum care engagement and bridge gaps in care. Although numerous interventions have been trialed, few have been both successful and scalable. We provide recommendations on ways to reimagine equitable and effective postpartum care interventions with multidisciplinary collaboration.