Perinatal
Many women do not experience
complications during childbirth, but labor and delivery present risks for both
mother and infant. Adverse obstetrical events can cause severe harm. According
to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), obstetrical adverse
events happen during approximately 9 percent of all U.S. deliveries. These
include perineal tears, hemorrhaging or even death for the mother; injuries to
the skeleton or spinal cord of the infant; and some neonatal intensive care
unit admissions.
While not all adverse obstetrical
events are preventable, many are. MHA’s committee of perinatal experts
developed a perinatal road map outlining evidence-based recommendations and
standards for the development of prevention and quality improvement programs
that align process improvements with outcome data. The road map reflects
published literature and guidance from relevant professional organizations and
regulatory agencies, as well as identified proven practices.