The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to bring on new challenges. As expectant mothers are attending fewer in-person prenatal care visits, the ability to detect pregnancy risks has become increasingly difficult. To help address this unprecedented maternal health crisis affecting women across the country, Aetna has launched a new initiative as part of their Aetna Maternity Program.
This first-of-its-kind initiative is focused specifically on preventing preeclampsia. Accounting for 15 percent of all preterm births in the U.S., preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death that is characterized by new-onset hypertension during pregnancy. It can also lead to serious maternal complications, including stroke, seizure and organ failure.
The program identifies high-risk pregnant members for individualized outreach and provides them with an engaging, personalized prenatal care kit. To help reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, each kit contains educational materials surrounding the pregnancy complication, as well as an 81mg bottle of low-dose aspirin. To discuss the benefits of low-dose aspirin, appointment reminder cards are to be sent to members encouraging them to initiate discussion with their obstetrician.
“We must do more to address the public health crisis and keep moms and babies healthy. The goal of this initiative is to help empower our members to have productive discussions with their providers throughout their pregnancy journey.”
Daniel Knecht, M.D., and CVS Health’s Vice President of Clinical Products
In line with their goal to provide the tools and resources needed to meet each member’s unique needs, Aetna will continue their long-standing commitment to support expectant mothers on a path to better health and wellness.
For more information regarding Aetna’s Maternity Program and their efforts to prevent preeclampsia, click here.