Maternal health in North Carolina is marked by some of the highest morbidity rates nationwide. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to improving women’s health before, during, and after pregnancy by preventing complications and maternal mortality, with a focus on those at the highest risk.

To support this commitment, we encourage providers to familiarize themselves with the “I Gave Birth” initiative.

The “I Gave Birth” bracelet initiative aims to improve the care of patients who present for medical care during the postpartum period. The bracelets serve as a reminder for staff to look for post-birth warning signs, including:

P – Pain in chest
O – Obstructive breathing
S – Seizures
T – Thoughts of hurting self or others

B – Bleeding, soaking one pad/hour, large clots 
I – Incision that is not healing 
R – Red, swollen, or painful legs 
T – Temperature > 100.4F (38C); < 98.6F (36C) 
H – Headache, vision changes 

Bracelets are provided to patients delivering a live infant or stillbirth after 20 weeks gestation along with education about post-birth warning signs. This initiative is taking place in numerous hospitals across the state to prevent maternal deaths after delivery. Please look for these bracelets and assess any postpartum patients for these symptoms.