Healthy Pregnancy and Healthy
Children: Opportunities and
Challenges for Employers
4
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................... 2
The Value of a Healthy Pregnancy ....................................................................................................................... 2
Preconception Period
Pregnancy
Labor and Delivery
Infertility and the Impact of Infertility Treatment on Pregnancy ................................................................... 6
Recommendations to Employers Regarding Infertility Benefits
The Epidemiology of Birth in the United States ................................................................................................ 7
Preterm Birth: An Overview of the Problem
Demographic Issues
Cesarean Deliveries: An Overview of the Problem
Practice Issues
Demographic Issues
Geographic Variation
Creating the Value Proposition for Investing in Healthy Pregnancies ....................................................... 10
Pregnancy-Related Healthcare Costs
Improving Health While Reducing Costs
Practical Solutions for Employers: Innovative Strategies
Overcoming Challenges to Health Promotion
Pregnancy-Related Care Around the World ..................................................................................................... 15
Summary Points .................................................................................................................................................... 16This issue brief provides an overview of the costs and complications of pregnancy. It also presents
opportunities employers have to improve the health of their beneficiaries and reduce healthcare costs
through the implementation of pregnancy-tailored benefits, programs, and policies.
The Business Case for Promoting
Healthy Pregnancy