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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 2

Category: Health Equity/Community Health

Poster Session 2

(447) Delivery morbidity and discrimination impact postpartum follow up

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM  
Objective:
Experiencing racism and discrimination during delivery may impact postpartum follow-up care. This study aims to assess the influence of delivery morbidity and discrimination on postpartum follow up.

Study Design:
We conducted a prospective survey of a representative convenience sample of patients admitted for delivery at a tertiary care center from 03/2024 to 06/2025. The Discrimination in Medical Settings Scale (DMSS) was administered prior to discharge. Postpartum readmissions, triage, and office visits were compared between people who experienced delivery morbidity and those who did not (Table). We assessed for interaction by reports of any discrimination. Survey responses were compared between groups using Chi-squared or Mann Whitney U tests as appropriate and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). 

Results:
Prior to discharge, 262 birthing people were approached and 83 declined, most of whom declined all research opportunities on admission. Over 50% experienced delivery morbidity. Of the cohort, 2.7% were readmitted, 13.7% visited triage, and 38.2% attended an office visit postpartum. There was a statistically significant difference in those experiencing delivery morbidity and triage visits postpartum (p< 0.01, aOR 4.48, 95% CI [1.94, 10.24]). Delivery morbidity increased the odds of a postpartum triage visit (aOR 3.68, 95%CI [1.38, 9.79]), and this risk was further modified by discrimination (P interaction=0.02), but not for postpartum readmission or office visit. Birthing people who did not experience delivery morbidity were more likely to present to their postpartum office visit (aOR 0.59, 95%CI [0.30, 0.99]) (Table). There was no difference in readmissions between the groups (Table).

Conclusion:
Birthing people who experience delivery morbidity and discrimination are more likely to present to triage, but not their postpartum office visit. Strategies to reduce discrimination could improve continuity of postpartum care for at risk birthing people.