Digital maternal health platform Lōvu Health has secured $8m in series A funding to further develop its AI-based maternal care solutions.

The Series A funding will support the further development of Lōvu's AI technology, including the launch of three new digital tools, as well as automation, system integration, and staffing.

The funding round was led by SJF Ventures, with participation from various entities such as Alumni Ventures, Emmeline Ventures, Majella Ventures, Sand Hill Angels, and Stand Together Ventures. 

The platform seeks to address challenges in maternal care by providing comprehensive support from conception through to postpartum.

In the US, approximately 49% of women do not receive sufficient prenatal and postnatal care due to high costs and limited access.

The country records more than 3.6 million births annually, spending approximately $126bn on pregnancy and postpartum care, yet ranks 64th in maternal mortality, which is the lowest among high-income nations.

Research indicates that more than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable.

Lōvu Health provides services that align with obstetricians' care plans, including specialist care access, remote patient monitoring, and personalised care pathways.

Lōvu Health co-founder and CEO Noel Pugh said: "Our current one-size-fits-all maternal care model is failing moms and babies.

“Lōvu's AI-powered platform transforms workflows and modernises clinical practices, helping clinicians closely monitor patients and intervene earlier when necessary while offering wraparound support that changes the way we bring life into this world."

The platform has become more relevant following reductions in Medicaid and other social support programmes.

It provides continuous support, specialist care access, and social services, and is designed to integrate into existing practice operations. Lōvu is available to mothers regardless of their insurance status.

Lōvu’s system has identified various maternal health conditions in the past, particularly among underserved groups.

It detected early signs of preeclampsia in 6% of mothers and identified depression and anxiety in approximately 30% of patients.

Among mothers with chronic hypertension, 57% were identified through the platform.

Lōvu Health co-founder and chief health officer Santosh Pandipati said: "Lōvu's technology transforms the patient experience throughout pregnancy and postpartum. We deliver actionable data for clinicians that drives prevention rather than crisis mitigation and results in improved outcomes for mother, baby, and family." 

Workforce shortages further complicate maternal care, with one-third of US counties lacking local obstetricians. This shortage also increases pressure on clinicians and contributes to higher emergency care use.

Lōvu's platform provides clinicians with health data and connects patients to external services through an integrated referral system.

In addition to monitoring features, Lōvu provides access to more than 50 third-party providers for services such as doula support and mental health care.

This model is intended to expand access, particularly in rural and low-income areas, and reduce waiting times for mental health consultations.

SJF Ventures partner Perry Clarkson said: "SJF has had a long-standing interest in maternal health and Lōvu has stood out to us for years as we see the company's care extension of the obstetrician's office, plus a novel marketplace of partnered speciality solutions, as the optimal 'win-win-win' strategy for providers, health plans, and mothers.”