MATERNAL HEALTH
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Maternal Health refers to the wellbeing of a woman during pregnancy, birth, and up to 6 weeks after birth (postnatal). Learning about the physical and emotional challenges that may occur during and after pregnancy will help people be more supportive and empathetic. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Maternal Health. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
High-risk Pregnancy:
Occurs when the chances of complications for either (or both) a woman and her fetus are higher than average.
Maternal Health:
Refers to the wellbeing of a woman during pregnancy, birth, and up to 6 weeks after birth (postnatal).
Maternal Health Care Team:
Includes your OB-GYN, family physician, doula, midwife, pediatrician, lactation and feeding consultants, or fertility specialist.
PMAD Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder:
Includes Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Postpartum Anxiety (PPA).
Mother/Maternal:
An all encompassing term referencing those who give birth regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Moments In History
1935 - Title V of the Social Security Act was signed allowing for a full range of medical services and resources for maternity, infant, and child care.
1970s - Title X Family Planning Act provides for family planning services.
2023 - The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act passes into law with the goal to help end preventable maternal mortality and maternal health disparities in the United States.
1951 - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists was founded in Chicago, IL.
1991 - In August, the seven month pregnant mega star Demi Moore, wife of mega star Bruce Willis, appears nude on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine.
Statistics
According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 32% Cesarean deliveries in 2022.
According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics,
3% Increase in maternal mortality rates each year from 2018>2019>2020.
According to the CDC, 1/10 2022 births were preterm.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, In March 2023, 27% of civilian workers had access to paid family leave and 90% had access to unpaid family leave.
According to the New England Benefits Council, 50% of employers w/ more than 50 employees have a lactation room for employees to pump breast milk.
Values
Healthcare Equity
Responsibility
Evidence-Based Care
Advocacy
Family Centered Care
Notable Names
Ina May Gaskin
Norma McCorvey
(Jane Roe)
Dick Durbin
Martha May Eliot
Tori Bowie
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Maternal Health & Wellness Infographic
Share what you have learned about Maternal Health & Wellness. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Popcorn & Chat Event Video
Our film event was insightful and fun! After watching What to Expect When You're Expecting together, we discussed the film and what we learned about Maternal Health. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
When talking with a pregnant person or new parent, spend some time focusing *not* on their pregnancy/parenthood.
Research holistic approaches to maternal health.
Go out of way to talk to someone who provides maternal health care & have/encourage others to have regular check-ins with care providers pre and post delivery.
Don’t treat someone who is pregnant like she has an illness (though pregnant women can have illnesses, pregnancy is not an illness).
Share our Maternal Health Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!