Working Mothers and Employers Reaffirm Commitment to Address U.S. Maternal Health Crisis, According to New Workplace Report

Carrot Fertility's Second Annual Maternal Health in the Workplace Report shows 86% of
employers recognize there is an ongoing maternal health crisis in America

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new Maternal Health in the Workplace report from Carrot Fertility, business leaders and working mothers across America agree the country is undergoing a maternal health crisis. Carrot, the leading global fertility, family-building, and lifelong hormonal healthcare platform, surveyed employers and working mothers to assess the full impact of the pregnancy journey on women in the workplace. The findings spotlight the value employers place on working mothers and the need for more maternal health benefits at work.

The vast majority of employers (86%) believe there is an ongoing maternal health crisis in America – and 83% of them say they are willing to make workplace investments that address the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. Working mothers who were surveyed report that each phase of the maternity journey — prenatal, birth, postpartum — is a major challenge, though postpartum is particularly difficult, with 82% finding it taxing and 39% feeling unprepared.

"Our second annual Maternal Health in the Workplace report provides timely insights from two critical workplace cohorts -- working mothers and the key decision makers who support them – and spotlights opportunities to support their respective roles of manager and employee," said Tammy Sun, Founder and CEO, Carrot Fertility. "Carrot is committed to help, with services that support working women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys and, simultaneously, enable employers to create an environment that boosts culture and solidifies retention."

Other key findings from Carrot's second annual Maternal Health in the Workplace report:

• Employers rely on working mothers and value maternal health benefits. Most employers (80%) say their workforce is dependent on current and future working mothers and see significant value in providing maternal health benefits. Nearly three-quarters say benefits offered to employees who are pregnant, or have recently given birth, improve job satisfaction, and 67% say they improve company culture.
  
  
• Working moms face extra pressure. Employers recognize that working mothers face extra pressure: 83% say their employees worry about the impact working will have on their children. Half of working moms also believe their employer doesn't fully understand parenting challenges, yet 80% of employers believe they're prepared to help employees before, during and after pregnancy.
  
  
• Both employers and employees acknowledge the need for more workplace support: Only 39% of employers acknowledge they provide enough workplace benefits to support employees' maternal/parental needs. Employees agree: just 21% of employees say their employer provides enough workplace benefits to support their maternal needs.
  
  
• Mental health and return to work support are particularly vital: Nearly all working moms (88%) want more resources to support mental health before, during, or after giving birth. Meanwhile, 45% have seriously considered leaving their job after their most recent pregnancy due to lack of support at work and 47% explored other job options in search of better return-to-work support. Gen Z moms are especially likely to test the job market: 62% considered leaving after their most recent pregnancy, and 64% explored other job options with better support.
  
  
• Social media is a key resource for working moms: The majority of working mothers (83%) use social media to inform their pregnancy and parenting experiences and, for 23% of Gen Z moms, it's their primary source of pregnancy and parenting information. Yet, 41% say it negatively impacted their mental health during pregnancy or postpartum and 35% report that it made them challenge their doctor's or health professional's recommendation during pregnancy.

"It's encouraging to see that the vast majority of employers acknowledge how much their workforce depends on current and future working mothers and understand the value in providing maternal health benefits," said Asima Ahmad, MD, MPH, FACOG, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Carrot Fertility. "However, there's still a gap between the challenges mothers face and the support they receive at work. We're hopeful this report spotlights these gaps and encourages problem-solving."

To learn more, read the full Maternal Health in the Workplace report.  

About Carrot Fertility
Carrot Fertility is the leading global fertility, family-building, and lifelong hormonal healthcare platform providing care for everyone, everywhere. Trusted by more than a thousand multinational employers, health plans, and health systems, Carrot's comprehensive clinical program delivers industry-leading cost savings for employers and award-winning experiences for millions of people worldwide. From maternity through menopause and pre-pregnancy through parenting, Carrot is dedicated to expanding access and improving outcomes. Carrot empowers members with compassionate, personalized, and inclusive support. Learn more at carrotfertility.com.

Carrot has received national and international recognition for its pioneering work, including Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and World Changing Ideas, Inc. Power Partners, and Modern Healthcare's Innovators. Carrot's global workforce has been acknowledged with several accolades, including Fortune's Best Workplaces in Healthcare, Great Place to Work, and Age-Friendly Employer certifications. Carrot is regularly featured in media reporting on issues related to the future of work, women in leadership, and healthcare innovation, including MSNBC, The Economist, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, National Public Radio, Harvard Business Review, and more. Learn more at carrotfertility.com.

SOURCE Carrot Fertility