Philips and Ingeborg Initiatives Tackle Maternal Health Challenges in Arkansas via Philips Avent Pregnancy+ App
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, has partnered with Ingeborg Initiatives to offer all expectant parents in Arkansas access to the Philips Avent Pregnancy+ app. This collaboration provides personalized, state-specific information and tools designed to enhance access to care, improve health literacy, and promote healthy habits. Arkansas residents who download the Pregnancy+ app will automatically gain access to this premium, tailored content.
In the United States, Arkansas ranks 50th in both maternal mortality and infant mortality, marking a critical public health issue for the state. In response to this crisis, Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, has partnered with Ingeborg Initiatives to provide a valuable tool for expectant parents in Arkansas. Together, they are offering all expectant parents in the state access to the Philips Avent Pregnancy+ app, a comprehensive resource that includes customized, state-specific content designed to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Educational tools like the Pregnancy+ app play a crucial role in bridging the gap in maternal healthcare. They give families direct access to expert-developed information and resources tailored to the unique needs of the state. This partnership aims to raise awareness, build confidence, and encourage the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits for pregnant women.
A recent survey of pregnant and postpartum mothers revealed that those using the Pregnancy+ app showed higher levels of maternal health literacy, a greater interest in engaging in early and regular prenatal care, and a more significant commitment to adopting healthier habits. This increased engagement with healthcare resources can lead to better health outcomes for both mothers and their babies, highlighting the importance of accessible, personalized tools.
Olivia Walton, Founder and CEO of Ingeborg Initiatives, addressed the gravity of the situation in Arkansas, stating, “Maternal health in Arkansas is in crisis. Lawmakers are now focused on it, but it is going to take all stakeholders—public, private, philanthropic—to get women the care they need before, during, and after birth.” Walton emphasizes the need to meet expectant mothers where they are—on their phones—by providing them with the critical information and resources they need at their fingertips. “This is a positive step towards helping ensure healthier pregnancies through access to critical information and services that will help build healthy families,” she added.
The Pregnancy+ app, which has been downloaded over 80 million times worldwide, provides comprehensive information and guidance throughout pregnancy. The app features over 800 educational articles, lifelike 3D baby models, a weekly pregnancy tracker, and audio/video courses led by health and well-being experts.
These features allow users to track their pregnancy progress, access vital information about their health, and make informed decisions about their care. Additionally, the app is customized with state-specific content, offering Arkansas residents information about local social services, infant health topics, mental health resources, early childhood programs, and other support services for expectant and new parents. These resources are critical for addressing both physical and mental health needs throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.
Dana Medema, Head of Personal Health at Philips North America, discussed the company’s commitment to improving maternal health and access to care. “At Philips, we are deeply committed to advancing maternal health and access to care through education and innovative technology, and Pregnancy+ is just one way we are doing that,” Medema said. “No one organization is going to be able to address the maternal health crisis alone, but collaboratively, we can meet moms where they are and give them access to the care they need.” This collaborative effort underscores the importance of combining the strengths of both public and private sectors in tackling complex health challenges.
The need for such initiatives is underscored by the concerning statistics in Arkansas. According to the UAMS study on maternal and infant deaths, as well as the 2024 March of Dimes Report Card for Arkansas, the state continues to face significant challenges in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The Pregnancy+ app, as part of the broader efforts to address these challenges, provides an important tool to help families navigate pregnancy and early parenthood with the support of healthcare professionals, experts, and resources.
Ultimately, the collaboration between Royal Philips and Ingeborg Initiatives represents a promising step toward improving maternal and infant health in Arkansas. By offering expectant families in the state access to the Pregnancy+ app and its tailored content, the partners aim to empower mothers with the knowledge and resources they need to ensure healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both themselves and their babies.
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovations leverage advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personalized health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips is a global leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. The company generated sales of EUR 18 billion in 2024 and employs approximately 67,800 people, with operations in more than 100 countries.
