Early postpartum severe maternal morbidity among mothers of very low and low birthweight infants: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Georgia, USA, 2016-2020
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The early postpartum period (first 42 days after delivery) is a high-risk window for severe maternal morbidity (SMM), yet clinical predictors are not well characterized. We examined rates and clinical factors that associate with early postpartum SMM by infant birthweight category to inform future intervention strategies. METHODS: We constructed a retrospective, population-based cohort of 542,702 live births in Georgia (2016-2020) using linked birth certificate and hospital discharge records. Infant birthweight was categorized as normal or above (NBW+, ≥2500 g), moderately low (LBW, 1500-2499 g), or very low (VLBW,
Fields of Study & Subjects
Gestational Diabetes Research and Management
Preterm Birth and Chorioamnionitis
Maternal and fetal healthcare
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 39
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 2625550–2625550
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN