Birth trauma

Placenta accreta is a high-risk pregnancy complication that occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. Typically, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall after childbirth. With placenta accreta, part or all of the placenta remains attached. This can cause severe blood loss after delivery. (Mayo Clinic)

National Accreta Foundation

Information and resources for mothers who are currently experiencing, have experienced, or have suspected placenta accreta. Includes a monthly support group as well as links to several online support groups for mothers who have experienced Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS).

Hear Desiree's story with accreta

Desiree and her sister, Kirsten, describe their experience with a pregnancy-related complication (accreta). Desiree experienced a postpartum hemorrhage, resulting in heavy bleeding after the birth of her daughter. Kirsten encouraged her to see her doctor. Desiree’s quick-acting obstetrician listened to her concerns and may have saved her life. (CDC Hear Her campaign)

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare syndrome characterized by sudden cardiorespiratory collapse during labor or within 30 minutes after delivery of the placenta. (Clark 2016)

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Foundation

Resources and information about amniotic fluid embolisms. 

Cardiac conditions that impact maternal health include:

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), also known as postpartum cardiomyopathy, is an uncommon form of heart failure that happens towards the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery, when no other cause of heart failure can be found. (American Heart Foundation)

Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) — especially when you’re trying to sleep, lying down, or doing physical activity
• Fatigue
• Swelling (edema) in your feet and ankles
• Heart palpitations
• Dry cough
• Swollen neck veins
• Lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) or blood pressure that drops suddenly when you stand up
• Chest pain

Save the Mommies

• • Information for mothers who have experienced peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries that go to your lungs. It's different than high blood pressure of the blood vessels also known simply as "hypertension." Lifestyle changes can improve symptoms. (Read more)

Emergency & Unwanted Cesareans - Holistic Motherhood Healing (Facebook group)

A Facebook group for those who have had an unplanned or emergency cesarean, and are ready to feel clear and grounded in motherhood after a difficult birthing experience.

Having a c-section: March of Dimes overview

An overview on c-sections and what to do if you feel badly about having a c-section.

International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)

ICAN is a non-profit organization that offers support and information for women who have had cesarean births. Their website includes information about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to cesarean birth and resources for finding support.

Understanding Cesarean deliveries: When they're needed and how to recover

Remember, a c-section is a major abdominal surgery and you can expect to need a longer time to recover, both physically and mentally. “I’ll tell patients after a c-section to expect to feel almost back to normal around postpartum week four,” Susan Dalton, MD says. (Read more)

Maternal hemorrhage is a blood loss of greater than or equal to 1,000 mL or blood loss accompanied by signs or symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours after the birth process. It's the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. (ACOG)

Postpartum Hemorrhage Support Group (Facebook)

This is a support group for women who have experienced postpartum hemorrhage, or excessive blood loss following childbirth.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is when extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting occur during your pregnancy. It can lead to weight loss and dehydration. Hyperemesis gravidarum is sometimes called severe morning sickness.

HER Foundation

Resources, support and information for mothers who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Online support groups, consults, and information for mothers as well as partners and families.

A maternal near-miss is when a woman survives a life-threatening complication during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of pregnancy termination. (National Library of Medicine)

Maternal Hear-Miss Survivors Facebook Support Group

This support group is specifically for Maternal Near-Miss Survivors. A maternal near miss is an event where a woman nearly dies due to pregnancy or childbirth related complications. The events are often unexpected and may leave the survivor feeling isolated and alone. This is a place where survivors find comfort and offer support as we journey toward healing together.

• Pregnancy loss (also called perinatal death): The death of a fetus more than 28 weeks of gestation or the death of an infant who is less than a month old. (World Health Organization)

• Miscarriage: The loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Stillbirth: The loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Angel Watch

Provides free support to help anyone in Utah who learns their baby may be born with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition. Angel Watch is staffed by compassionate, specially trained, and qualified medical and grief experts including social workers, chaplains and nurses.

Interpretation services available. You don't have to show proof of citizenship to access care.

(385) 867-1653

[email protected]

Stillbirth and Infant Loss Support for Parents

This support group is for parents who have experienced stillbirth or early infant loss. The group provides support and connection to other parents who have had a similar loss. Some of the topics discussed in this group are the process of grief, different ways of grieving and mourning, honoring your baby, birth trauma, and the isolation of loss. This group is led by trained peer facilitators who have also experienced stillbirth or infant loss. You are not alone, and this group is here to help.

Meets every 1st and 3rd Friday at 11:00 a.m. (MST)

When to seek treatment for a miscarriage or stillbirth

After a pregnancy loss, your body is still going through significant hormonal changes. These may act as constant reminders of the loss you just experienced, which may make you more likely to have perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. (Read more)

Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program

The Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program is designed specifically to support families after a pregnancy loss, newborn death, or severely complicated pregnancy. They see patients who have experienced the following:

• Stillbirth for any reason
• Newborn death for any reason
• Termination of pregnancy for medical or obstetric reasons
• Recurrent or other types of pregnancy loss
• Placental disorders including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and the like
• Preterm birth due to medical or pregnancy problems

The program creates a support team of specialists for you:

• Physicians and nurses
• Mental health professionals
• Peer support specialists

They work with you to support you after your loss, or if you are in (or planning) your next pregnancy after loss. They also provide specialized care if your pregnancy is complicated by placental disorders.

The Sharing Place resources (Utah)

• Resources that can help you provide information with grieving children and their families.

The NICU is a nursery in a hospital that provides around-the-clock care to sick or preterm babies. It has health care providers who have special training and equipment to give babies the best possible care. (March of Dimes)

NICU Mothers Support Group (local to Utah)

A support group to help you navigate your time in the NICU. Learn from others who have since graduated from the NICU about the feelings and emotions you may be having, and how to advocate for your needs and your baby's needs.

Email for meeting times and enrollment information: [email protected]

NICU Postpartum Parents Online Support Group (national)

Led by trained Postpartum Support International (PSI) facilitators, this online NICU group is for parents of babies up to 2 years of age who spent time in the NICU for any reason.

Meets every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. (MST)

Graham's Foundation

Through Graham's Foundation you can request a peer mentor who is also a preemie parent who to support you through the NICU and your transition home.

Request a care package, view resources on topics such as self-care tips, and more.

Hand to Hold

Find online communities, request a peer mentor, find support groups for NICU parents, podcast recommendations, and more.

Maternal pelvic floor trauma is when there is damage to the muscles, nerves, or other tissues of the pelvic floor which lead to weakness of the pelvic floor. This can lead to problems with urination, bowel movements, and other issues. (International Urogynecological Association)

Utah Peripartum Pelvic Floor Wellness & Recovery After Delivery Program (UPWARD)

Get treatment options for pelvic floor disorders from a specialized team of urogynecologists and nurses at the University of Utah Health system. Services are available to any woman no matter where she gave birth.

Call (801)-213-2996 to make an appointment.

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy. With preeclampsia, you might have high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine that indicate kidney damage (proteinuria), or other signs of organ damage. (Mayo Clinic)

Preeclampsia Foundation

Information, resources, and support for mothers who have experienced preeclampsia. Also has links and information for related hypertension disorders.

Sepsis (also called blood poisoning) is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection. Sepsis can occur because of an infection related to the pregnancy or one that is totally unrelated, such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection. (Sepsis Alliance)

Sepsis Alliance

Information, stories from sepsis patients, submit your own story, or join a virtual community of others who have experienced sepsis through the Sepsis Alliance Connect.