DALLAS — Health leaders at Parkland Health are raising awareness about maternal health risks in North Texas, emphasizing that most pregnancy-related complications and deaths are preventable.
According to providers, approximately four out of five pregnancy-related complications or deaths could be avoided with proper care and support. Despite that, many women in Texas continue to face serious risks during and after pregnancy, particularly in the months following childbirth.
Medical professionals say the most critical period often comes after delivery. Many pregnancy-related deaths occur between 61 days and one year postpartum, when access to follow-up care and behavioral health services can be limited. In 2024, Texas extended Medicaid coverage for eligible mothers from two months to 12 months postpartum, a move aimed at improving access during this high-risk period.
At Parkland Health, providers report that disparities remain a significant concern. Black women face the highest risk of maternal mortality, with experts pointing to both medical and non-medical factors that impact outcomes.
A recent community health assessment in Dallas County identified key barriers to care, including limited access to nearby services, transportation challenges, housing instability, and the cost of care. Officials say these issues can prevent mothers from receiving consistent treatment during and after pregnancy.
Mental health is also a major focus. Local data shows behavioral health is the top health priority in Dallas County, underscoring the need for screening and treatment for conditions such as postpartum depression.
To address these challenges, Parkland has expanded programs aimed at supporting mothers beyond childbirth. One initiative, extended Maternal Care After Pregnancy (eMCAP), provides follow-up care for up to a year after delivery, including mobile health services that bring care directly into communities. The program has recently expanded into Hunt County.
Additional programs include in-home nurse visits for new mothers, as well as federally supported services that assist with housing, food access, and transportation. Through partnerships with registered nurses, first-time mothers can receive ongoing support from pregnancy through early childhood.
“Programs such as eMCAP are critical because they address both medical and non-medical needs that disproportionately affect Black women,” said Dr. Robert B. Martin of Parkland and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “Too often postpartum care ends when risk remains high.”
Dr. Kristie Wilburn-Wren of UT Southwestern added that improving maternal outcomes requires care that extends beyond the traditional six-week postpartum period.
“By bringing care into the community and connecting mothers to ongoing support, we can help prevent many of the complications that lead to poor outcomes,” she said.
Health officials say efforts like these are especially important during Black Maternal Health Week, as providers continue working to reduce disparities and improve care for mothers across the region.
