Maternal Health Care Resources
Maternal morbidity and mortality closely intersect with hematology, and ASH is committed to supporting the right to maternal health care. This includes approaches to address hematologic disorders, advocating for access to reproductive health services for all people, and combating inequities in hematology. ASH works to support clinicians who serve vulnerable populations, including those at risk of maternal health conditions. This webpage is curated with information, resources, and advocacy actions by ASH to help hematologists better serve their patients and communities.
“Pregnancy and hematology are deeply intertwined. Hematologic conditions, including hemorrhage and embolism, remain among the leading causes of maternal morbidity in the United States… ASH continues to recognize these challenges and remains committed to improving maternal health outcomes.”
ASH Compendium on Maternal Health
The Compendium on Maternal Health is a special collection of key articles from the Blood journal that highlight the critical intersection of hematology and maternal health.
Explore the latest ASH CompendiumEXPLORE THE FIRST EDITION OF ASH COMPENDIUM
Iron Deficiency Initiative
Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency globally, affecting up to 40% of adolescents and young women. It often leads to iron deficiency anemia, which impairs oxygen transport and can be life-threatening if untreated. ASH has made it a priority to improve the quality of care for individuals affected by iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Explore ASH’s efforts related to iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and check back often for additional materials and resources.
ASH Policy Statements
ASH Advocates for the Right to Maternal Health Care
The right to maternal life and well-being for hematologists and their patients must not be denied. Hematology and maternal health are closely connected given the risks of hematologic complications in pregnancy.
Access to Hematology Care in an Age of Innovation
Individuals should have access to and be able to afford high-quality, clinically appropriate care, including innovative therapeutics. The high cost of innovative treatments creates potential barriers to access for patients with malignant and non-malignant hematologic conditions.
ASH Policy Statement on Coverage of Fertility Treatment in Hematologic Care
Fertility preservation and management is a critical aspect of reproductive health care to safeguard an individual's ability to have children in the future. Coverage of fertility treatments is essential for patients with hematologic conditions.
ASH Testimony and Correspondence
ASH Joins Letter to President Trump on Women's Health
ASH joined 550 organizations in an open letter to the Trump Administration, advocating for prioritizing women’s health research, improved access to care, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
ASH Joins Letter to Urge Congress to Advocate for Women's Health and Medicaid
ASH has joined more than 40 organizations to express concerns on the impact of Medicaid funding cuts on maternal health.
Clinical Resources
ASH has developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to help members and other practicing hematologists improve patient care. The following address maternal health.
ASH ISTH NHF WHF 2021 Guidelines on the Management of Von Willebrand Disease
The guidelines address the management of von Willebrand disease (VWD) in the context of neuraxial anesthesia during labor and delivery, and management in the postpartum setting.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Transfusion Support
These guidelines address transfusion management during pregnancy.
ASH 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia
Pregnancy was not addressed in ASH’s 2019 immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) guidelines. However, the 2011 ITP guidelines, which include management of ITP during pregnancy, are referenced in this document.
ASH 2018 Guidelines for Management of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): VTE in the Context of Pregnancy
Other VTE guidelines (concerning prophylaxis among medical patients and diagnosis) reference pregnant postpartum patients as a subgroup at higher risk.
Can Taking Hormonal Birth Control Cause Blood Clots?
There is a very low risk of blood clots for most people taking hormonal birth control containing estrogen. While it is true that hormonal birth control containing estrogen can increase this risk it is still considered low: On average, only three to nine out of every 10,000 women taking hormonal birth control pills will develop a blood clot. In fact, the risk of developing a blood clot while on hormonal birth control is significantly lower than the risk of developing blood clots while pregnant or after giving birth.
Education
Latest Maternal Health resources from ASH Publications
Blood/Blood Advances/Hematology, ASH Education Program: Latest Maternal Health Articles
The Hematologist: Pregnancy-related Articles
ASH Annual Meeting Sessions
Webcasts
ASH Grassroots Network Lunch (2022)
Maternal Health in Hematology – Current Resources and Future Advocacy (2022)
Education and Scientific Sessions
Obstetric Management and Complications in Sickle Cell Disease in High and Low-Income Countries
Reproductive and Sexual Health in Sickle Cell Disease (2022)
Special Joint Education-Scientific Symposium: Hormones and Hematology (2020)
Scientific Workshop on Thrombosis and Bleeding in Pregnancy (2020)
Additional Information
Advocacy
ASH empowers researchers, clinicians, and patients to speak up for research funding. We persuade policymakers to pass laws that advance science and improve public health. But we need your help! Explore ASH's Advocacy Hub to learn about ASH's campaigns. Get tips for talking to Congress, posting on social media, and more!
#Fight4Hematology
ASH is fighting for hematology in the face of executive orders and other federal actions that threaten research and patient care. Follow the #Fight4Hematology Action Hub to stay up-to-date on ASH's efforts and learn four easy ways you can help protect the future of hematology. Use your voice to drive change!
Get Involved
ASH relies on volunteers from around the world and across the spectrum of hematology to reach ASH's mission. Whether you’re a trainee, educator, clinician, or researcher, you play a role in advancing the field of hematology. Find out how to get involved with ASH, or submit a volunteer interest form to be considered as new opportunities arise.