Janice Crowder, MD, a Houston-based OB-GYN, urges families and providers to focus on early care, structure, and patient awareness.
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2026 / Janice Crowder, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with more than 3 decades of experience, is speaking out to raise awareness of maternal mortality and the practical steps individuals can take to reduce risk before, during, and after pregnancy.
Maternal mortality remains a serious public health issue in the United States. The U.S. continues to have one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries. Black women, in particular, face significantly higher risks, regardless of income or education level. Many pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable with early care, consistent monitoring, and clear communication between patients and providers.
"Maternal mortality is not abstract," Dr. Crowder said. "It's about systems, timing, and follow-through. When care is delayed or inconsistent, the risks increase."
Dr. Crowder has spent her career working on the front lines of women's health at Mainland Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates in Houston. Board-certified since 1994, she is known for her structured prenatal care model and her focus on addressing both medical and psychosocial factors that affect patient outcomes.
The Importance of Early and Consistent Prenatal Care
One of the most common contributors to poor maternal outcomes is late or irregular prenatal care. Dr. Crowder stresses the importance of early engagement.
"I prefer first prenatal visits at eight to ten weeks," she said. "That early window allows us to identify risks, establish baselines, and build trust."
Research shows that early prenatal care can significantly reduce complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Regular follow-up visits also help detect warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Dr. Crowder follows a structured visit schedule throughout pregnancy, increasing visit frequency as delivery approaches.
"This schedule is not random," she said. "It's designed to catch issues early and reduce risk."
Listening to Patients Saves Lives
Another key factor in maternal safety is listening to patients and taking concerns seriously.
"Stress, work, family pressure, and fear all show up in the exam room," Dr. Crowder said. "If we ignore that, we miss critical information."
Studies have shown that patients who feel heard are more likely to report symptoms early and follow care plans. Dr. Crowder encourages patients to speak up and ask questions, even if something feels minor.
"If something doesn't feel right, say it," she said. "You know your body better than anyone."
She also encourages patients to give feedback after visits.
"Feedback tells you where systems fail," she said. "Ignoring it is how mistakes repeat."
Maternal Mortality Is a Systems Issue
According to national health data, many pregnancy-related deaths occur during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. Common causes include hemorrhage, infection, heart conditions, and untreated chronic illness.
"These outcomes are often preventable," Dr. Crowder said. "But prevention requires structure, access, and accountability."
She believes maternal mortality should be addressed long before labor begins.
"You don't fix this at delivery," she said. "You fix it months earlier."
What Individuals Can Do Today
Dr. Crowder emphasizes that reducing maternal mortality is not only the responsibility of hospitals and providers. Individuals and families can take meaningful steps on their own.
Schedule prenatal care as early as possible
Attend all recommended appointments
Ask questions and take notes during visits
Speak up about pain, stress, or unusual symptoms
Build a support system before delivery
Advocate for yourself if concerns are dismissed
"Trust is built visit by visit," Dr. Crowder said. "There are no shortcuts."
A Call to Awareness and Action
Dr. Crowder is urging communities to talk openly about maternal health and treat pregnancy as a period that requires structure, planning, and support.
"Maternal mortality is not inevitable," she said. "When people understand the risks and act early, outcomes improve."
Her message is simple but urgent: awareness saves lives, and consistency matters.
About Janice Crowder, MD
Janice Crowder, MD, is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist based in Houston, Texas. She practices at Mainland Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates and has more than 30 years of experience in women's health. Dr. Crowder is known for her holistic, structured approach to care and her commitment to reducing maternal health risks through early intervention, patient education, and mentorship.
Media Contact:
Janice Crowder
info@janicecrowder.com
SOURCE: Janice Crowder
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