The Problem

The global leading cause of maternal death is preventable.

Postpartum hemorrhage

Every year, about 14 million people experience severe blood loss after giving birth, or postpartum hemorrhage. Hemorrhage is the global leading cause of maternal death, and for every person who dies, 100 more suffer devastating complications.

In the US, hemorrhage occurs in 5% of all births and accounts for 11% of all maternal deaths. These tragic losses cost the US healthcare system $1.8 Billion each year. Yet, 90% of cases are preventable with early detection and treatment.

Black and white close-up of a pregnant woman's belly with hands gently resting on her stomach.

Unacceptable disparities

Disturbingly, black women in the US are three times more likely to die from PPH than white women. This underscores the unacceptable racial disparities that pervade maternal health outcomes and is a call to action for the healthcare community to achieve health equity among pregnant and birthing people.

Bar chart showing rising maternal mortality rates in the U.S. by race from 2018 to 2021.

Providers need better tools.

Postpartum Hemorrhage is most often diagnosed by visually estimating blood loss. This method is inaccurate, subjective, and blind to internal bleeding. As a result, hemorrhage is typically diagnosed at late stages where the risk of death is high, and treatment options are limited to expensive and invasive solutions like blood transfusion and surgery. Providers need tools for earlier hemorrhage diagnosis when inexpensive, widely available interventions work best.