Maternity care is one of the largest and fastest-growing healthcare expenses for employers, with maternity-related claims consistently ranking among the top five cost drivers and increasing an estimated 8–12% annually. While childbirth is a routine part of healthcare, the costs associated with pregnancy and delivery can vary significantly — often driven by preventable complications and gaps in care.
For HR and benefits leaders under pressure to manage rising costs, maternity presents a unique challenge. But it also offers a clear opportunity: many of the most expensive outcomes are not inevitable.
The high cost of complex cases
A disproportionate share of maternity spending is concentrated in high-cost events such as preterm births, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, and complicated deliveries. These cases can escalate quickly, creating significant financial exposure for employer-sponsored health plans.
Beyond cost, these outcomes also impact workforce stability. Employees navigating complicated pregnancies or extended neonatal care often require longer leaves and additional support, which can affect productivity, return-to-work timelines, and retention.
The drivers behind rising costs
The variability in maternity costs is largely tied to when and how care begins. Many traditional maternity programs focus on support during pregnancy but often engage too late to meaningfully influence outcomes.
One of the most overlooked factors is preconception health. Despite its critical role in reducing risk, many women do not receive care to optimize their health before pregnancy. At the same time, chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are becoming more common among women of reproductive age, increasing the likelihood of complications.
Demographic trends are also contributing to higher costs. As more individuals delay starting families, they are more likely to enter pregnancy with age-related risks or pre-existing conditions that require more intensive care.
Compounding these challenges is a fragmented system. Disconnected care across fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum stages can lead to missed risk factors, delayed interventions, and unnecessary or duplicative services — all of which contribute to higher overall spend.
A largely preventable cost curve
Many of the most expensive maternity outcomes are, to some degree, preventable. Estimates suggest that up to 80% of maternal morbidity could be avoided with timely, appropriate care. Yet gaps in access, education, and coordination often prevent early identification and management of risk.
This creates a costly cycle: conditions that go unaddressed before or early in pregnancy are more likely to result in complications later, driving both clinical and financial consequences.
A shift toward earlier and more coordinated care
In response, employers are beginning to rethink their approach to maternity benefits. Rather than focusing solely on pregnancy, leading organizations are expanding support across the full reproductive health continuum — including preconception, pregnancy and postpartum care.
Earlier engagement allows for identification and management of underlying health risks before they escalate. Continuous, coordinated support throughout the journey helps ensure that employees receive the right care at the right time, improving adherence to care plans and reducing avoidable complications.
Employers can play an important role in improving maternity outcomes by expanding access to earlier and more proactive support across the reproductive health journey. This can include promoting preventive and preconception care, supporting chronic condition management before pregnancy, improving navigation to appropriate clinical care and expanding access to mental health screening during pregnancy and postpartum.
A more integrated approach to women’s health — one that considers both clinical and social factors influencing outcomes — can help reduce avoidable complications while improving employee experience.
Reframing maternity as a strategic investment
As healthcare costs continue to rise, maternity care is increasingly being viewed through a different lens. Rather than a fixed expense, it represents a category where proactive, well-designed support can drive meaningful improvements in both cost and outcomes.
By prioritizing earlier intervention, better coordination, and more comprehensive care, employers can reduce the likelihood of high-cost complications while improving the experience for employees and their families. In doing so, they not only gain greater control over healthcare spend, but also strengthen their ability to support and retain a critical segment of the workforce.
Progyny is a leading provider of women’s health and family building benefits, partnering with organizations to support their workforces through life’s most important milestones —from pregnancy and postpartum to menopause and midlife care. Our personalized, end-to-end approach delivers expert guidance and comprehensive care at every step. Contact us to learn more.
