Improving the well-being of mothers, infants, and children is important. We do this through the development of a skilled workforce and quality, innovative programs.
What health problems do women face?
It is more and more common for women to have chronic conditions like
- high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- heart disease; and
- obesity.
How do these conditions affect maternal health?
Women with these conditions are more likely to have problems around the time they give birth or in the period after giving birth.
Quick Facts
- Since 1987, the rate of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. has more than doubled.
- Non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native women are significantly more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than non-Hispanic White women.
Source: Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How do we promote maternal health?
We promote maternal health through the programs and research we fund.
How do we train health care workers?
Our health workforce programs train providers, including physicians and certified nurse midwives. Our loan repayment and scholarship programs support providers of maternal services practicing or planning to practice in underserved areas.
