Series Description

Maternal health outcomes are worsening in the United States, and the problem is only growing worse. In Pennsylvania alone, hospital and L&D unit closures are accelerating desertification, and now eight counties lack any maternity care services. While the PA Department of Health, the PA Perinatal Action Collaborative, health systems and community-based organizations scramble for solutions, family health is declining and solutions which involve specialty care are unlikely to address the needs of rural and urban underserved populations. Family medicine provides care to families before, during and after pregnancy and will be needed to address the current maternal health crisis. As the scope of practice continues to drift, the family medicine workforce and the clinical teams they work with will have to be ready to care for a larger number of families that will be seeking local care as maternity care centers close or consolidate.

Webinar 1: Maternal health screening at well child visits

September 28, 2026 (12 pm – 1 pm)

Session overview: Well child visits provide a unique opportunity to address the health and well-being of both children and birthing parents. Research has shown that 94% of mothers/birthing people attend their child’s well child visits, and 93% are willing to receive health advice from their child’s doctor. These visits can serve as important touchpoints for identifying maternal health concerns.

This webinar will explore approaches to incorporating maternal health screening into well child visits, including screening for depression, smoking, family planning, and multivitamin with folic acid use. Participants will learn strategies for implementing workflows and identifying and addressing risk factors.

Webinar 2: Management of early pregnancy loss in primary care

November 19, 2026 (12 pm – 1 pm)

Session overview: Early pregnancy loss can have significant physical and emotional impacts on patients and families. Primary care clinicians play an important role in providing timely diagnosis, compassionate counseling, and evidence-based management.

This webinar will review current recommendations for the evaluation and management of early pregnancy loss in primary care settings.

Webinar 3: Assessing cardiovascular risk before and after pregnancy

December 3, 2026 (12 pm – 1 pm)

Session overview: Cardiovascular-related health conditions remain a leading cause of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality. Many risk factors can be identified and addressed before serious complications occur, with pregnancy serving as a critical window to identify cardiovascular risk factors and implement preventive strategies that can improve long-term health outcomes.

This webinar will examine key cardiovascular risk factors before, during, and after pregnancy. Participants will gain tools for risk assessment, patient counseling, and long-term care.