Protecting Texas Mothers in the Lone Star State

Education | Support | Advocacy

Texas has made modest progress in reducing maternal mortality, but far too many women, particularly those in rural counties and communities of color, still face preventable risks. Currently, half of Texas counties are identified as Maternity Care Deserts, meaning there are no hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care and too few providers that meet community needs.

Save Texas Moms exists to close that gap. Through education, support, and advocacy, we equip mothers, families, and communities to recognize early warning signs, ask the right questions, and connect with care—no matter where they live.

A close-up of a Texas mother gently cradling a small child, highlighting a sense of comfort and security.

Stay Informed, Stay Healthy.

Top 5 Causes of Maternal Mortality & Morbidity in Texas

Understanding the leading risks helps prevent tragedy and save lives. These five causes account for most pregnancy-related deaths in Texas.

Source: Texas DSHS & MMMRC Joint Biennial Report 2024-2020 Cohort

If you ever feel like you are not being heard as a pregnant mother, ask to speak to the charge nurse or patient relations. Remember, your feelings are valid.

A Texas mother cradles her newborn on her chest after childbirth, both wrapped in blankets in a hospital setting.

  1. Infection/Sepsis

    Serious infections can spread rapidly during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening response that affects multiple organs.

    Texas data: About one-quarter (25%) of pregnancy-related deaths were due to infection.

    Warning signs: Fever, chills, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, feeling weak or dizy

    What to do: Seek medical care right away for any signs of infection, especially after delivery or C-section. Effective treatment for sepsis requires timely recognition and quick involvement of medical experts.

    Respectful, equitable, supportive care: As always, speak to your provider with any questions or concerns. Ask for infection prevention tips and reminders for wound and fever checks.

Infection & Sepsis: 5 Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • What infections are most common during or after childbirth?

  • How can I tell if an infection is serious or becoming sepsis?

  • What steps can I take to prevent infection after delivery or a C-section?

  • When should I call my doctor if I develop a fever, pain, or discharge?

  • How can I safely manage wounds, stitches, or catheter sites at home?

A rumpled, empty hospital bed with disheveled sheets echoes stories of Texas mothers in a dimly lit hospital room.

2. Cardiovascular Conditions

Heart-related problems, including cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, unrecognized heart disease, and untreated high-blood pressure, remain a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Texas.

Texas data: Roughly 14% of deaths were linked to cardiovascular conditions.

Warning signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, swelling of hands or feet

What to do: Monitor your blood pressure regularly, even after delivery.

Respectful, equitable, supportive care: Save Texas Moms is working with the American Heart Association (AHA) to pilot a free BP cuff program in Central Texas. Reach out to your provider to explore available programs closer to where you live.

The AHA also provides free, medically reviewed resources to help mothers track, understand, and manage blood pressure—one of the key indicators of heart health during pregnancy and postpartum.

Cardiovascular Conditions: 5 Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • How can pregnancy affect my heart or blood pressure?

  • What symptoms should I watch for that could signal heart problems?

  • How often should I check my blood pressure before and after delivery?

  • Are there medications that are safe for my heart or blood pressure while pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • What should I do if I feel chest pain or shortness of breath after giving birth?

A Texas mother in a hospital gown smiles while holding and looking at her newborn baby wrapped in a blanket.

3. Obstetric Hemorrhage (Severe Bleeding)

Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding during or after childbirth can turn critical within minutes.

Texas data: About 14% of deaths involved obstetric hemorrhage.

Warning signs: Heavy vaginal bleeding, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, feeling unusually cold or weak

What to do: Call 911 immediately, and never dismiss heavy bleeding as “normal.”

Respectful, equitable, supportive care: You can learn more about emergency response steps through your provider. They can talk to you and your loved ones on how to recognize when bleeding is not normal.

Hemorrhage: 5 Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • How can I recognize the difference between normal postpartum bleeding and a medical emergency?

  • What are the most common causes of heavy bleeding after delivery?

  • Are there risk factors in my pregnancy that increase my chance of hemorrhage?

  • What should I do if I start bleeding heavily at home, and when should I go to the ER?

  • How can my birth partner or family help respond quickly if I show signs of hemorrhage?

Close-up of a Texas mother’s hands gently resting on her pregnant belly, showing care and anticipation for the baby.

4. Embolism (Blood Clots or Amniotic Fluid)

An embolism happens when a blood clot or amniotic fluid blocks blood flow to vital organs, cutting off oxygen.

Texas data: About 11% of pregnancy-related deaths were due to embolism.

Warning signs: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, fainting, or coughing up blood

What to do: Call 911 immediately if any of these signs occur. Move regularly after delivery, stay hydrated, and follow any post-surgery recovery directions.

Respectful, equitable, supportive care: Talk to your provider about warning signs that require immediate emergency care.

Hypertensive Disorders: 5 Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • How often should I have my blood pressure checked during pregnancy?

  • What symptoms might meant I’m developing preeclampsia?

  • Are there foods, stress levels, or activities that can make high blood pressure worse?

  • How long after delivery should I continue to monitor my blood pressure?

  • If I have high readings at home, what’s my next step—when is it urgent?

Texas mother wearing glasses and a pink jacket looks down, shirt reads Mental Health Matters, against a dark background.

5. Mental Health Conditions

Untreated depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are major contributors to maternal death.

Texas data: About 7% of pregnancy-related deaths in 2020 were linked to mental health conditions. These were 100% preventable.

Warning signs: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, mood swings, withdrawal, thoughts of self-harm

What to do: Reach out immediately for help. It’s available 24-7.

Respectful, equitable, supportive care: Call Postpartum Support International (PSI) at 1-800-944-4773 for information and referrals. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak to a caring counselor. Save Texas Moms will connect mothers to mental health resources and safe-care partners statewide.

Depression can occur during pregnancy (perinatal) and after childbirth (postpartum), making life challenging for moms. How do you care for a new baby when all you feel is extreme sadness and fatigue? Learn the signs and what you can do:

Mental Health: 5 Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • What are the signs of postpartum depression or anxiety?

  • How soon after birth should I schedule a mental health check-in?

  • Are there local or virtual resources if I feel overwhelmed or isolated?

  • How can I safely consider medication or therapy while pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • What should I do—and who can I call—if I ever consider self-harm?

Quick Resources

Did you know? The U.S. is the only high-income country that doesn’t guarantee paid maternal leave. Although 13 states and the District of Columbia have introduced some mandatory paid leave, there is no federally mandated paid leave policy. Texas is not one of the 13, and there is no state law requiring employers (public or private) to provide paid time off for maternity, paternity, or family caregiving. Texas mothers must rely on unpaid FMLA and employer benefits, if available.

Texas Vs. Colorado: Paid Parental Leave at a Glance

  • Texas

    Statewide Paid Leave Program: NONE

    Effective Date: N/A

    Length of Paid Leave: 0 WEEKS

    Wage Replacement: N/A

    Funding Source: N/A

    Coverage: NONE STATEWIDE

    Job Protection: LIMITED TO UNPAID FEDERAL FMLA (12 weeks, if eligible)

    State Support for Employers: NONE

  • Colorado

    Statewide Paid Leave Program: YES. PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE (FAMLI)

    Effective Date: BENEFITS BEGAN JANUARY 2024

    Length of Paid Leave: Up to 12 WEEKS, PLUS 4 EXTRA WEEKS FOR COMPLICATIONS IN PREGNANCY/CHILDBIRTH

    Wage Replacement: ABOUT 37-90% OF WEEKLY WAGES, DEPENDING ON INCOME LEVEL

    Funding Source: JOINT EMPLOYER + EMPLOYEE PAYROLL CONTRIBUTIONS (0.9% total)

    Coverage: NEARLY ALL WORKERS, INCLUDING PART-TIME AND GIG WORKERS

    Job Protection: FOR ALL WORKERS COVERED UNDER FAMLI

    State Support for Employers: TOOLS, GRANTS, AND TRANSITION SUPPORT OFFERED THROUGH THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Laws & Policies Impacting Women’s Health in Texas

Access to care is shaped by policy. From postpartum Medicaid coverage to rural hospital funding, laws directly affect maternal outcomes.

Stay informed:

Get Involved:

Help us advocate for stronger postpartum care, increased support for rural hospitals, and greater data transparency. Because every mother’s life should count equally in Texas.

For Moms:

If you live in a Maternity Care Desert, call 2-1-1 or visit 211Texas.org for immediate support. You may also email STM or call 833-721-MOMS (6667).

A Texas mother smiles while holding her young child outside on a sunny day, both looking toward something off camera.

Learn More

Most maternal deaths are preventable. When mothers are informed, equipped, and supported, families and communities thrive.

Save Texas Moms: Because every mother deserves a safe start.