Births, Infants, and Maternal Health

1. Infants. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
Quick Links
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Why It's Important
The well-being of mothers and infants determines the health of the next generation and can impact future public health challenges for families, communities, and the health care system.22. Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Workgroup. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
What's Known
Maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S. are higher than in other developed, high-income countries, and there are major disparities by race and ethnicity.3,43. Pregnancy and Childbirth. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
4. Infants. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
4. Infants. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
Who's at Risk
Maternal mortality and morbidity, as well as that of infants, varies by the mother's race, ethnicity, and age. Certain health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, increase the risk of poor outcomes. Unintended pregnancy is also linked to poorer outcomes.5,6,75. Infants. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
6. Pregnancy and Childbirth. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
7. Family Planning. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
6. Pregnancy and Childbirth. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
7. Family Planning. Healthy People 2030. 10/29/24.
How to Reduce Risk
Some risk factors are modifiable and include8,9,10:- Getting health care before, during, and after pregnancy
- Eating healthy
- Gaining the recommended weight during pregnancy
- Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and other substances during and after pregnancy
- Using birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy
- Breastfeeding for as long as possible
- Getting well-child care, vaccinations, and developmental screenings for the baby
- Practicing safe sleep and correct use of child safety seats
8. Reproductive Health. CDC. 5/15/24.
9. Maternal and Infant Health. CDC. 5/15/24.
10. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 10/29/24.
9. Maternal and Infant Health. CDC. 5/15/24.
10. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 10/29/24.
How It's Tracked
Maternal and infant health are tracked at the state and national level primarily through:Publications
Other Data and Information Resources
New Jersey
- Department of Health, Family Health Services
- Department of Health, Maternal Data Center
- Department of Health, Periods (Menstruation) Information Hub
- Department of Health, Reproductive Health Information Hub
- Nurture NJ
- Stillbirth Awareness Campaign
- Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
- Central Jersey Family Health Consortium
- Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative