Study Links Risk Planning to Better Birth Outcomes
A new population-based cohort study found00733-1/fulltext) that maternal risk stratification combined with planned birth significantly enhances outcomes for term pregnancies. The research provides evidence to support the development of individualized care plans to improve maternal and neonatal health.
- The referenced study was a large-scale retrospective cohort analysis of 1,167,372 singleton births in Queensland, Australia, from 2000 to 2021. - Researchers found that regardless of the mother's risk level, the probability of adverse outcomes for the baby or mother increased from 40 weeks of gestation onward. - For women in the high-risk category, a planned birth between 38 and 39 weeks (especially via scheduled cesarean) was associated with the lowest odds of adverse outcomes compared to waiting for labor to begin naturally. - In Virginia, the maternal mortality rate was 24.5 per 100,000 live births in 2024, a significant improvement from 49 per 100,000 in 2021, though still higher than the national average. - To address maternal health, Virginia launched several public data dashboards in April 2025, allowing for the tracking of metrics such as preterm births, infant mortality, and access to prenatal care, with data sortable by region, locality, and race. - In a significant policy change for midwifery, Virginia passed House Bill 1923, which ensures that starting July 1, 2025, both Licensed Certified Midwives and Licensed Midwives will be reimbursed by insurance plans at the same rate as Certified Nurse-Midwives. - This payment parity legislation is considered a key step in addressing workforce shortages, as 47% of Virginia's counties are classified as maternity care deserts. - The Virginia affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives is now advocating for a budget amendment to resolve barriers that prevent midwives from contracting with the state's Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
