2025 Trends: Steep Challenges and Uneven Progress

How 3 of the most pressing trends in maternal and infant health may shape the months and years ahead.?

As we look to 2025, maternal and infant health in the U.S. continues to be in a fragile state. The country has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, and 80% of these deaths—many occurring within 42 days of childbirth—are preventable.?

A key issue is the lack of mental health resources. About 20% of new mothers experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), yet only one-third receive the care they need. Black women face even greater challenges, with the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation.

Still, there is hope. Experts and new innovations are working to address these challenges, offering opportunities to improve maternal and infant health and create a brighter future. We are sharing 3 of the top 7 pressing trends for the months ahead. Click here to read the full report.

Trend #1: Maternal Decision Making Will Take Center Stage??

The maternal health crisis has at least uncovered one silver lining— the dawning realization that enhancing patient experience and respecting a patient’s self-determination is central to improving maternal outcomes. Having a birth plan in place, for one, can be enormously beneficial to both parent and child, resulting in fewer C-sections, shorter labor, and higher APGAR scores for infants.?

The concept of self-determination in the birthing process is being taken more seriously by medical institutions, some of which are piloting programs that create a dedicated care team to listen to, work with, and support those going through the birthing process. Learn more about how maternal decision making is empowering women to have an active role in their health here.??

Trend #3: Payers Will Increase Focus on Postpartum Support for Women?

Between 2017 and 2019, nearly 30% of pregnancy-related deaths happened in the six weeks to 12 months after women gave birth, CDC data shows. Notably, many of these deaths were tied directly to mental health issues, which tend to go both undetected and untreated in the postpartum period.??

The reality is that physicians and health plans often struggle to extend maternal support during the “fourth trimester,” or first three months after a child’s birth, particularly since many women may have fewer scheduled touch points with their provider or may lack basic access to pre- and postnatal care. Commercial and Medicaid payers are zoning in on the complex needs of the postpartum period to eliminate barriers to care. Dig deeper into this emerging trend.?

Trend #5: Increased Birth Anomalies Will Require More Complex Care?

Congenital anomalies are among the chief causes of infant mortality, and as births increase across the nation—these anomalies are expected to climb. In fact, it’s already happening. Data shows that as births have increased after the institution of statewide abortion bans across the U.S., so too have birth anomalies, by as much as 16.6%.?

Children born with such anomalies may require surgical intervention, ongoing physical or occupational therapy, long-term educational support, or an array of assistive devices—needs that may evolve and last for life. But as we report, there is an increasing focus on early intervention and partnering with health plans to more fully support these infants and parents.??

Bracing for Change, Together?

The data tells a sobering story, underscoring the critical need for continued efforts in the healthcare realm to secure brighter futures for mothers and infants. With the November 5th election results and a new administration taking office, health plan executives are bracing for shifts in the healthcare landscape—further emphasizing the importance of steadfast commitment and collaboration in the path forward. You won’t want to miss our full Trends Report that covers expanded information on the 3 topics above along with advances in Neonatology, addressing the rising costs of commercial insurance, genome sequencing for newborn care, and more.??

Knowledge Center:??

Every maternity journey is unique, with its own highs and lows, as well as celebrations and challenges. ProgenyHealth is pleased to share an interactive experience that illustrates how ProgenyHealth's Maternity Case Management Program supports members through pregnancy, delivery, a possible NICU admission and postpartum.

Message From Our Leaders:???

ProgenyHealth believes a just healthcare system demands that all mothers, infants, and families receive the care they need. In honor of Martin Luther King Day on January 20th, learn how we’re doing our part in a video featuring ProgenyHealth Founder and Executive Chairwoman, Dr. Ellen Stang and CEO, Susan Torroella.?

Upcoming Events:??

Join ProgenyHealth’s maternal and infant health experts in Orlando, Florida, at the 16th Annual Medicaid Innovations Forum, January 27th-29th. Stop by and visit us at booth #30 for conversations revolving around promoting health equity and enhancing care management for mothers and infants across the country.?

Before You Go:??

As we begin a new year and look forward to 2025, pregnant women deserve a future in which their health risks are managed, their circumstances understood, and their voices heard. Learn how you and your organization can contribute to a better future by reading the full-length version of our Trends Report.