LAUSR

Key Points Question What proportion of de novo severe maternal morbidity is diagnosed after delivery discharge, and what are the most common factors and maternal characteristics associated with severe maternal morbidity among women in the US? Findings In this cohort study of 2 667 325 women in the US with delivery hospitalizations between 2010 and 2014, 14% and 16% of severe maternal morbidity among those with commercial and Medicaid insurance, respectively, developed de novo within 6 weeks after delivery discharge. The most common factors and maternal characteristics associated with severe maternal morbidity after delivery were different than those identified at delivery. Meaning The study’s findings suggest that expanding the focus of severe maternal morbidity assessment to the postdelivery discharge period could improve understanding of severe maternal morbidity and may create opportunities to improve maternity care.