Breaking Down Barriers for High-Risk Pregnancies

For many University Hospital patients, financial challenges can make it difficult to afford the basic needs that support a healthy pregnancy and recovery. For women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, access to quality medical care is only part of the equation. More than 75% of women receiving care through University Hospital’s OB/GYN Clinic are uninsured or underinsured, and nearly half report financial strain that can make it difficult to afford essential needs.

Thanks to additional funding from the New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF), University Hospital launched a pilot program to help address these barriers and provide timely support to vulnerable pregnant women and new mothers.

The program provides assistance based on each patient’s individual needs. Support may include transportation to medical appointments, essential baby supplies, grocery assistance, and medications prescribed by the patient’s care team. By helping with these immediate needs, the program allows patients to focus on their health and the health of their babies without having to choose between necessities.

A Little Support Can Make a Big Difference

For JB, the program provided more than practical assistance. It brought relief during a stressful time.

JB is a single expectant mother with two children. Although employed, she has been carefully saving her income to make sure she could cover her rent during her upcoming leave. At the same time, she has been experiencing symptoms of depression and worrying about how she would afford essential supplies for her newborn.

Through the NJHF-funded program, JB received diapers, wipes, a playpen, and assistance with her prescribed medications. She was also connected with another UH program that provided a car seat for her newborn.

The support eased some of JB’s financial burden and helped her feel less isolated and stressed. She reported feeling significant relief knowing she had help meeting some of the basic needs for herself and her baby.

Ultimately, this initiative reflects a simple but powerful idea: when we remove barriers to care, we give mothers and their babies a better opportunity for a healthy start.