
Evidence Tools
Postpartum Visit
Introduction
Postpartum Visit is one of two Universal Measures. This toolkit summarizes content from the Postpartum Visit Evidence Accelerator and the MCHbest database. The peer-reviewed literature supporting this work can be found in the Established Evidence database. Use the resources below as you develop effective evidence-based/informed programs and measures.
Postpartum Visit is related to the following topics; see these Accelerators for additional information: Postpartum Contraception Use and Postpartum Mental Health Screening.
From the MCH Block Grant Guidance. The postpartum period is an important time for maternal health and well-being. Untreated chronic conditions and pregnancy-related complications increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in the weeks and months following delivery. Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees in 36 states suggest that more than half of pregnancy-related deaths occur from 7 to 365 days postpartum.1 A comprehensive postpartum visit is an opportunity to improve maternal health by providing recommended clinical services, including screening, counseling, and management of health issues.2 Anticipatory guidance and screening for mental health conditions and contraceptive counseling are key components of postpartum care that are recommended by national quality standards and professional organizations.2,3,4 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women have contact with their obstetrician-gynecologists or other obstetric providers within the first three weeks postpartum followed by a comprehensive postpartum visit within 12 weeks after birth.2
Goal. To increase the percent of women who have a postpartum visit within 12 weeks after giving birth and received recommended care components.
Note. Access other related measures in this Population Domain through the Toolkits page.
Detail Sheet: Start with the MCH Block Grant Guidance
DEFINITION
Numerators:
A) Number of women who reported attending a postpartum checkup within 12 weeks after giving birth
B) Number of women who reported attending a postpartum checkup within 12 weeks after giving birth and that a healthcare provider talked to them about birth control methods and what to do if they felt depressed or anxious
Denominators:
A) Number of women with a recent live birth
B) Number of women with a recent live birth who reported attending a postpartum checkup within 12 weeks after giving birth
Units: 100
Text: Percent
HEALTHY PEOPLE 2030 OBJECTIVE
Related to Pregnancy and Childbirth (MICH) Objective D01: Increase the proportion of women who get screened for postpartum depression (Developmental)
DATA SOURCES
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
MCH POPULATION DOMAIN
Women/Maternal Health
MEASURE DOMAIN
Clinical Health Systems
1. Accelerate with Evidence—Start with the Science
The first step to accelerate effective, evidence-based/informed programs is ensuring that the strategies we implement are meaningful and have high potential to affect desired change. Read more about using evidence-based/informed programs and then use this section to find strategies that you can adopt or adapt for your needs.
Evidence-based/Informed Strategies: MCHbest Database
The following strategies have emerged from studies in the scientific literature as being effective in advancing the measure. Use the links below to read more about each strategy or access the MCHbest database to find additional strategies.
Evidence-Informed |
Evidence-Based |
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Mixed Evidence |
Emerging Evidence |
Expert Opinion |
Moderate Evidence |
Scientifically Rigorous |
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Field-Based Strategies: Find promising programs from AMCHP’s Innovation Hub
Emerging:
- Increasing Interpregnancy Care Implementation and Primary Healthcare Access (MS; 2011)
- Reproductive Health Education (SC; 2023)
Promising:
- Comprehensive Pregnancy Health Education for Teens (AZ; 2019)
- Universal One-Time Nurse Home Visit (MA; 2018)
2. Think Upstream with Planning Tools—Lead with the Need
The second step in developing effective, evidence-based/informed programs challenges us to plan upstream to ensure that our work addresses issues early and is measurable in “turning the curve” on big issues that face MCH populations. Read more about moving from root causes to responsive programs and then use this section to align your work with the data and needs of your populations.
Move from Need to Strategy
Use Root-Cause Analysis (RCA) and Results-Based Accountability (RBA) tools to build upon the science to determine how to address needs.
Planning Tools: Use these tools to move from data to action
3. Work Together with Implementation Tools—Move from Planning to Practice
The third step in developing effective, evidence-based/informed programs calls us to work together to ensure that programs are implementable and moveable within the realities of Title V programs and lead to improved health outcomes for all people. Read more about implementation tools designed for MCH population change and then use this section to develop responsive strategies to bring about change that is responsive to the needs of your populations.
Additional MCH Evidence Center Resources: Access supplemental materials from the literature
- Find field-based resources focused on improving preventive postpartum care relevant to Title V programs in the MCH Digital Library
- Search the Established Evidence database for peer-reviewed research articles related to increasing postpartum visit attendance and receipt of care
- Request Technical Assistance from the MCH Evidence Center
- MCH Evidence Center Frameworks and Toolkits:
Implementation Resources: Use these field-generated resources to affect change
PRACTICE. The following tools can be used to translate evidence to action to advance this NPM:
- Increasing access, quality, and equity in postpartum care in Medicaid and CHIP (Medicaid) provides information to help state Medicaid and CHIP programs increase postpartum care access, quality, and equity.
- New Mom Health (4th Trimester Project) provides postpartum health tools for mothers and providers.
PARTNERSHIP. The following organizations focus efforts on increasing postpartum visits:
- The ACOG provides guidelines, patient education materials, and advocacy tools.
- The National Home Visiting Resource Center offers resources and technical assistance to states.
References
Introductory References: From the MCH Block Grant Guidance
1 Trost SL, Beauregard J, Njie F, et al. Pregnancy-Related Deaths: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees in 36 US States, 2017–2019. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services; 2022.
2 ACOG Committee Opinion No. 736: Optimizing Postpartum Care. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Sept; 132(3): 784-785. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002849.
3 Interrante JD, Admon LK, Caroll C, et al. Association of health insurance, geography, and race and ethnicity with disparities in receipt of recommended postpartum care in the US. JAMA Health Forum. 2022; 3(10): e223292. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2022.3292
4 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2023 and 2024 Core Set of Maternal and Perinatal Health Measures for Medicaid and CHIP (Maternity Core Set). 2023.