WORLDWIDE CONTACT US ABOUT US PRODUCTS RESEARCH LICENSING NEWSROOM CAREERS INVESTORS Home MERCK FOR MOTHERS PEP TALK About Us Corporate Responsibility Reimbursement Support and Patient Assistance Programs Leadership Board of Directors Executive Committee Our Work How We Operate Code of Conduct Compliance Privacy Transparency and Privacy Internet Privacy Policy Cookie Privacy Commitment Cross Border Policy Employment Privacy & Data Protection Diversity Employee Diversity Supplier Diversity Views and Positions Access and Affordability Access to Investigational Medicines Innovation Quality and Safety Sales and Marketing Responsible Public Policy and Advocacy Our History Our People Featured Stories Every two minutes somewhere in the world a woman dies from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. So many of these deaths happen in the developing world, but no geography is spared. In fact, in the U. S., the number of deaths from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth has more than doubled in the past 20 years. To help raise awareness of the leading causes of maternal death in the U.S., Merck for Mothers – Merck’s 10-year, $500 million initiative to help reduce maternal mortality – is introducing a simple way we can all make a difference: encourage expecting families to have a “PEP Talk.” Any woman can be at risk for pregnancy complications, so if someone you love is pregnant, make sure she is talking to a healthcare professional about potential pregnancy complications. Tell them to have a “PEP Talk.” “PEP” stands for three of the leading causes of maternal death in the U.S.: Preeclampsia – or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure; Embolism – a blood clot that moves to the lung; and Post-partum hemorrhage – severe bleeding during or soon after giving birth The simple act of having a “PEP Talk” with a healthcare professional about potential pregnancy complications in the U.S. could help provide life-saving information. Learn more about how to have a PEP Talk. More Information about PEP Talks Who should have a PEP Talk? Anyone pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant, and her family members. A woman’s entire support network should be informed and be her advocate. When should expecting families have a PEP Talk? Anytime before or during pregnancy is important, but don’t forget about the weeks after birth. Be sure your loved ones know to speak up if something doesn’t feel or seem right. Is it difficult to tell your loved ones about having a PEP Talk? Sometimes the hardest things to say are the most important. Telling your loved ones to have a PEP Talk shows you care and could help to provide life-saving information. SHARE: Watch this video of our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Rosenblatt to learn more about his personal connection. Watch near-miss survivor Jennifer Albert share her story of suffering from a post-partum hemorrhage. PEP TALK FACT SHEET Symptoms associated with preeclampsia, embolism (pulmonary) and post-partum hemorrhage. View the fact sheet Copyright © 2009-2016 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map