active Assessment
Virtual Maternity Care Solutions
Evidence Protocol Published
Last Updated
April 24, 2026
Conditions
Maternal Health
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PHTI is assessing the clinical and economic impact of virtual solutions designed to support maternal health.
Area overview
The U.S. maternal mortality rate far exceeds that of other developed countries, with 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with an average of 5.1 deaths per 100,000 in peer nations. Access to maternity care also remains uneven across the country. More than 2.3 million women live in maternity care deserts and one in three U.S. counties lacks obstetric clinicians, making it difficult for many patients to access timely prenatal and postpartum care.
Pregnancy and childbirth are major cost drivers within the healthcare system. Recent data show that preterm births in the U.S. account for an estimated $25 billion annually, while pregnancy-related complications result in more than $32 billion in spending.
Virtual solutions for maternity care aim to support mothers, babies, and clinicians during and after pregnancy by expanding access to services, providing education and monitoring between visits, and helping coordinate multidisciplinary care, particularly in areas experiencing provider shortages.
PHTI is assessing virtual solutions for maternity care to determine their clinical effectiveness and budget impact.
Why assess virtual maternity care solutions?
- The U.S. maternal mortality rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births far exceeds that of other developed countries, which average 5.1 deaths per 100,000.
- More than 2.3 million women live in maternity care deserts and one in three U.S. counties lacks obstetric clinicians.
- Average pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum costs exceed $20,000 for women in employer-sponsored health plans, with additional out-of-pocket costs for patients.
- Preterm births in the U.S. account for an estimated $25 billion annually, while pregnancy-related complications result in more than $32 billion in spending.09
- The digital health market for maternal health is expanding rapidly, offering solutions that deliver education, remote monitoring, care coordination, and direct clinical care.
- As of March 2026, virtual maternity care solutions have attracted more than $2.5 billion in investment.
- Health plans, employers, and Medicaid programs are seeking more effective solutions to improve pregnancy outcomes, avoid adverse events, and ensure consistent care for mothers and infants.
Downloads & Resources
April 2026
A systematic literature review of virtual solutions for maternal healthInternational prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), National Institute for Health and Care Research
Read an overview of our assessment Approach and Framework
View assessment framework
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