Maternal Health in SC

Diabetes and Maternal Child Health in South Carolina 

South Carolina faces a maternal and child health crisis, with chronic conditions like diabetes driving alarming rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). SMM includes life-threatening complications such as heart failure, sepsis and stroke — conditions that can lead to long-term disability or death. In South Carolina, 1 in 10 perinatal patients are diagnosed with diabetes, significantly increasing the risk of ICU admissions, cesarean sections and birth defects.

Infant health is also at risk. Over 12% of babies in South Carolina are born prematurely — placing the state fifth in the nation — and 1 in 10 are born with low birthweight, increasing the likelihood of developmental delays and chronic illness.

Changing the course for women in South Carolina

To address this crisis, Diabetes Free SC launched the SC MOMs program in 2020. This initiative supports pregnant women with diabetes through coordinated care at maternal care centers, offering both in-person and telemedicine services. With over 3,000 patients served, SC MOMs has reduced risks of birth defects, stillbirth and preterm birth — ensuring healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for newborns.

The program was highlighted in the April 2025 Maternal and Infant Health Report by the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health as a model for positive change.

Learn more about our strategy.
Read more SC MOMs Blog Series: Improving Maternal Child Health in South Carolina with SC MOMs