In a cross-sectional analysis that examined maternal outcomes by race during postpartum readmissions, black women were more likely to be readmitted postpartum, were more likely to suffer severe maternal morbidity during readmission, and were more likely to suffer life threatening complications. Women aged 15-54 readmitted postpartum after a delivery hospitalization were identified by CDC criteria. Race and ethnicity were characterized as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, Native American, other, and unknown. Overall risk of readmission by race was determined. Among the findings:

• Of 11.3 million births, 207,730 (1.8%) women admitted postpartum from 2012-2014 were analyzed, including 96,670 white, 47,015 black, and 33,410 Hispanic women.
• Compared to non-Hispanic white women, non-Hispanic black women were at 80% increased higher risk of postpartum readmission, while Hispanic women were at 11% lower risk of readmission.
• Compared with non-Hispanic black women were at a 16% higher risk for severe maternal morbidity during readmission vs non-Hispanic white women, while Hispanic women were at 7% lower risk.