Background: Maternal health outcomes differ significantly between rural and urban populations. Rural mothers often face higher risks of pregnancy complications, limited access to obstetric care, and increased maternal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to compare maternal health outcomes between rural and urban populations, focusing on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and the prevalence of gestational and chronic diseases.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at a community hospital in North Carolina, evaluating postpartum blood loss and maternal comorbidities in urban and rural mothers. The incidence of PPH and gestational diseases, such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia were examined. Chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic hypertension, were also assessed. Chi-square testing was used to determine if the differences between the two populations were statistically significant.

Results: PPH rates did not significantly differ between urban and rural mothers for both vaginal (7.9% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.82) and cesarean deliveries (7.7% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.203). However, rural mothers exhibited a higher rate of gestational hypertension (10.7% vs. 9.15%, p = 0.006) and preeclampsia (11.9% vs. 10.75%, p < 0.00001), suggesting a greater risk for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. No statistically significant differences were found in rates of gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or chronic hypertension between the two groups.

Conclusion: While PPH rates were comparable across geographic settings, the higher rate of gestational hypertension in rural mothers underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate risk factors associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. This study contributes to the growing body of research emphasizing maternal health disparities and highlights the necessity of improving access to quality prenatal care in rural communities.