Women's Health > Publications and Materials

Pregnancy and Reproductive Health

Publications and Materials

Below are selected publications and materials related to pregnancy, birth defects prevention, and reproductive health. Please note the year of publication may be later than the year(s) the data represent.

2010 Publications and Materials

Trends and Characteristics of Home and Other Out-of-Hospital Births in the United States, 1990–2006 (4/15/10)
Audio version
This report examines trends and characteristics of out-of-hospital and home births in the United States. In 2006, there were 38,568 out-of-hospital births in the United States, including 24,970 home births and 10,781 births occurring in a freestanding birthing center.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration, by State - National Immunization Survey, United States, 2004—2008 (4/15/10)
This report found that non-Hispanic blacks had a lower prevalence of breastfeeding initiation than non-Hispanic whites in all but two states; Hispanics generally had lower prevalence than non-Hispanic whites in western states and higher in eastern states.

Recent Trends in Cesarean Delivery in the United States (4/15/10)
The cesarean rate rose by 53% from 1996 to 2007, reaching 32%, the highest rate ever reported in the United States. From 1996 to 2007, the cesarean rate increased for mothers in all age and racial and Hispanic origin groups.

2009 Publications and Materials

Born a Bit Too Early: Recent Trends in Late Preterm Births (12/28/09)
On average, more than 900 late preterm babies are born every day in the United States, or a total of one-third of 1 million infants (333,461). The percentage of late preterm births for which labor was induced more than doubled from 1990 to 2006; the percentage of late preterm births delivered by cesarean also rose markedly.

Estimated Pregnancy Rates for the United States, 1990–2005: An Update (11/12/09)
This report presents detailed pregnancy rates for 1990–2005, updating a national series of rates extending since 1976. In 2005, an estimated 6,408,000 pregnancies resulted in 4.14 million live births, 1.21 million induced abortions, and 1.06 million fetal losses.

Updated Interim Recommendations for Obstetric Health Care Providers Related to Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season (10/13/09)
Pregnant women are at higher risk for severe complications and death from influenza, including both 2009 H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza. Treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) is recommended for pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza and can be taken during any trimester of pregnancy.

Receipt of Influenza Vaccine during Pregnancy among Women With Live Births- Georgia and Rhode Island, 2004-2007 (10/13/09)
This report showed that in Georgia, the prevalence of influenza vaccination during the woman's most recent pregnancy increased from 10.4 percent in 2004 to 15.5 percent in 2006. In Rhode Island, vaccination prevalence increased from 21.9 percent in 2004 to 33.4 percent in 2007. Increased efforts are needed to assess vaccine coverage during pregnancy and to educate providers and pregnant women.

Questions and Answers: Use of Antiviral Medicines for the Treatment and Prevention of Flu among Pregnant Women for the 2009-2010 Season (10/13/09)
Pregnant women who are healthy have had severe illness from the 2009 H1N1 flu (also called “swine flu”). Compared with people in general, pregnant women with 2009 H1N1 flu have been more likely to be admitted to hospitals, and some have died. CDC advises doctors to give antiviral medicines that treat 2009 H1N1 flu to pregnant women who have symptoms of flu.

Delayed Childbearing: More Women Are Having Their First Child Later in Life (9/30/09)
The age of the mother, both younger and older, plays a strong role in a wide range of birth outcomes (e.g., birthweight, multiple births, and birth defects), so it is critical to track the average age at which women have their first birth. The average age of first-time mothers increased by 3.6 years, from 21.4 years in 1970 to 25.0 years in 2006. While the average age for first births increased from 1970 to 2006, the increases were more dramatic during the first two decades (1970 to 1990).

Contraceptive Use Among Postpartum Women- 12 States and New York City, 2004-2006 (9/30/09)
This report summarizes results, which indicated that 88.0 percent of postpartum women reported current use of at least one contraceptive method; 61.7 percent reported using a method defined as highly effective, 20.0 percent used a method defined as moderately effective, and 6.4 percent used less effective methods.

Reproductive Health and Novel H1N1 Flu (9/30/09)
CDC is concerned about women and their families when there are threats from disease or disasters. This includes women who may be pregnant, who have recently been pregnant, may be trying to conceive, or who are considering reproductive health treatments. Special health information on novel H1N1 flu is updated continually and provided for a variety of groups and audiences.

H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus Infection during Pregnancy in the USA (Lancet) (8/10/09)
The article describes the cases of 34 pregnant women who contracted novel H1N1 influenza virus infection in the United States during the first month of the outbreak (mid-April–mid-May 2009). Thirty-one had confirmed infections, and three were probable infections. This report was published in Lancet online ahead of print publication for July 29, 2009.

Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10-24 Years, 2002-2007 (8/10/09)
Data were compiled from the National Vital Statistics System and multiple surveys and surveillance systems that monitor sexual and reproductive health outcomes into a single reference report that makes this information more easily accessible. This report addresses three primary topics: 1) current levels of risk behavior and health outcomes; 2) disparities by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and geographic residence; and 3) trends over time.

Breastfeeding Report Card, 2009
The 2009 Breastfeeding Report Card shows how breastfeeding is being protected, promoted, and supported in each state. It allows comparisons across states, making it an important tool for increasing breastfeeding nationwide.

Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance- United States, 2006 (7/7/09)
This report presents the most recent national data and state-specific results on assisted reproductive technology. In 2006, a total of 138,198 ART procedures were reported to CDC. These procedures resulted in 41,343 live-birth deliveries, and 54,656 infants. Approximately 1 percent of U.S. infants born in 2006 were conceived through ART. Those infants accounted for 18 percent of multiple births nationwide.

Assisted Reproductive Technology Podcast (7/7/09)
Transcript
This podcast talks about ART and answers questions about how many children have been born using ART; how pregnancy is achieved through ART; whether the numbers are increasing; whether there are potential risks with the procedure; chances of miscarriage; steps to take if considering ART; and where to go to get additional information.

Prevent Infections during Pregnancy (7/7/09)
These 10 tips can help you prevent infections that could harm your unborn baby. You won't always know if you have an infection- sometimes you won't even feel sick. If you think you might have an infection or think you are at risk, see your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes and Women Podcast (5/15/09)
This women's health podcast focuses on gestational diabetes (GDM) to help educate women who may have been diagnosed w

Teen Pregnancy in the United States Podcast (5/15/09)
This women's health podcast focuses on the trend of teen pregnancy in the United States. In 2007, the teen birth rate in the U.S. increased for the second consecutive year.

New CDC Materials Regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) (5/15/09)
CDC has developed new materials that can guide in the identification, prevention, and management of FASDs. These products include a curriculum development guide for use with healthcare students and practitioners and recommendations from the National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect on promoting and improving strategies to 1) reduce alcohol use and alcohol-exposed pregnancies and 2) improve early identification, diagnostic services, and research on interventions for children with FASDs and their families.

Births: Preliminary Data for 2007 (3/30/09)
The preliminary estimate of births in 2007 rose 1 percent to 4,317,119, the highest number of births ever registered for the United States. Increases occurred within all race and Hispanic origin groups and for nearly all age groups.

Protect Your Unborn Baby or Newborn from Infections (3/30/09)
If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, there are simple steps you can take to protect your unborn baby or newborn from infections that cause serious health problems.

ART Associated with an Increased Risk of Certain Birth Defects (1/27/09)
Infants conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) are two to four times more likely to have certain types of birth defects than children conceived naturally, according to a study by the CDC.

Abortion Surveillance- United States, 2005 (1/27/09)
This report summarizes and describes data voluntarily reported to CDC regarding legal induced abortions obtained in the United States in 2005. A total of 820,151 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC for 2005 from 49 reporting areas.

One Test. Two Lives. HIV Screening for Prenatal Care (1/27/09)
Since CDC began recommending routine HIV screening for all pregnant women in 1995, the estimated incidence of mother-to-child transmission has dropped by approximately 85 percent. However, mother-to-child HIV transmission continues in the United States in part because many pregnant women are still not being tested.

2008 Publications and Materials

Emergency Planning Tips if You're Pregnant or Have Young Children (9/5/08)
If you are pregnant or have infants or young children, find out how to plan for an emergency or disaster.

Increasing Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy-Related Hypertension in Los Angeles County, California, 1991-2003 (9/5/08)
The rates of gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension are increasing in Los Angeles County. Further research is needed to determine the causes of the observed increases and the growing racial/ethnic disparities in those rates.

National Birth Defects Prevention Study Finds Pre-Pregnancy Diabetes Increases Risk for Multiple Types of Birth Defects (8/7/08)
Women who receive a diagnosis of diabetes before they become pregnant are three to four times more likely to have a child with one or even multiple birth defects than a mother who is not diabetic, according to a study by CDC, released in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Surveillance- United States, 2005 (8/7/08)
In 2005, a total of 134,260 ART procedures were reported to CDC. These procedures resulted in 38,910 live-birth deliveries and 52,041 infants. Approximately 1% of U.S. infants born in 2005 were conceived through ART. Those infants accounted for 17% of multiple births nationwide.

The HPV Vaccine and Its Safety (8/7/08)
Based on ongoing assessments of vaccine safety information, FDA and CDC continue to find that Gardasil is a safe and effective vaccine. FDA and CDC continue to monitor the safety of this vaccine, with the public's health and safety the top priority.

Making Sense of Your HPV and Pap Test Results (8/7/08)
This brochure explains the meaning of Pap and HPV test results and answers common patient questions about HPV, such as how to talk to your partner about HPV. It includes â€˜questions to ask your doctor' to help prepare women for next steps and a glossary of terms.

Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (8/7/08)
If you or someone you know is pregnant, you need to know about â€œgroup B strep." Group B streptococcal bacteria (also called GBS, group B strep, or baby strep) is very common in all types of women and can be passed on to a baby during childbirth. Protect babies from group B strep. If you are 35-37 weeks pregnant, ask your doctor or nurse about a group B strep test.

Wildfires: Information for Pregnant Women and Parents of Young Infants (8/7/08)
Learn what pregnant women and parents of young children can do if they are, or may be, evacuated from their home.

Breastfeeding-Related Maternity Practices at Hospitals and Birth Centers- United States, 2007 (6/23/08)
This report indicates that 1) a substantial proportion of facilities used maternity practices that are not evidence-based and are known to interfere with breastfeeding and 2) states in the southern United States generally had lower scores, including certain states previously determined to have the lowest 6-month breastfeeding rates.

Prevention of Pertussis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria among Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Their Infants (6/23/08)
This report describes the clinical features of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria among pregnant and postpartum women and their infants; reviews available evidence of pertussis vaccination; summarizes Tdap vaccination policy; and presents recommendations for use of Td and Tdap vaccines among pregnant and postpartum women. See also: Appendix A and Appendix B.

Guiding Principles for Development of ACIP Recommendations for Vaccination during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding (6/23/08)
This document provides guidance to help standardize procedures for policy formulation and presentation of the rationale and recommendations for vaccination of pregnant and breastfeeding women. These principles will be applied to future Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices vaccine statements and routine updates of existing statements in which vaccination of pregnant and breastfeeding women is considered.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Postpartum Depressive Symptoms- 17 States, 2004-2005 (4/30/08)
Podcast
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-15% of mothers within the first year after giving birth. Younger mothers and those experiencing partner-related stress or physical abuse might be more likely to develop PPD. This report indicates that, during 2004-2005, the prevalence of self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms in 17 U.S. states ranged from 11.7% (Maine) to 20.4% (New Mexico).

Pregnancy Rate Drops for U.S. Women under Age 25
Pregnancy rates for females under age 25, including teenagers, in the United States declined in 2004 compared to 1990, according to a new report, Estimated Pregnancy Rates by Outcome for the United States, 1990-2004. The report says nearly 38 percent of pregnancies in 2004 were to women under age 25, down from nearly 43 percent in 1990. The proportion of pregnancies among teens under age 20 dropped from 15 percent in 1990 to 12 percent in 2004.

Smoking Early In Pregnancy Raises Risks of Heart Defects In Newborns (4/30/08)
Mothers who smoke early in pregnancy are more likely to give birth to infants with heart defects, according to a study funded by CDC. The study shows that women who smoked anytime during the month before pregnancy to the end of the first trimester were more likely to give birth to infants with certain congenital heart defects compared to women who did not smoke during this time period.

Pregnant Women Who are Obese Linked with Greater Health Care Services Use (4/30/08)
Obesity during pregnancy is associated with greater use of health care services and longer hospital stays, according to a study from CDC and Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research. The study, is the first to document the effect of obesity during pregnancy on the use of health care services.

Expanded Health Data from the New Birth Certificate, 2005 (4/30/08)
This report presents data for 2005 on checkbox items exclusive to the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. Information is shown for check boxes in the following categories: risk factors in this pregnancy, obstetric procedures, characteristics of labor and delivery, method of delivery, abnormal conditions of the newborn, and congenital anomalies of the newborn.

Diabetes and Pregnancy (5/11/08)
Controlling diabetes before and during pregnancy will help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth.

Breastfeeding in the United States: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2006 (5/11/08)
This report summarizes information on breastfeeding rates in the United States based on data from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Breastfeeding rates in the United States increased significantly between 1993 and 2006. Breastfeeding rates increased significantly with increasing maternal age overall and for all race-ethnicity groups.

Women and Alcohol (4/30/08)
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is one of the top preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities. There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant. There is no safe time to drink during pregnancy. Alcohol can harm a baby at any time during pregnancy.

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness: Inside Knowledge Campaign (3/26/08)
This campaign will raise awareness of the five main types of gynecologic cancer: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. It is important for women to pay attention to their bodies and know what is normal for them so that they can recognize the warning signs of gynecologic cancers.

Put Down That Drink If You Are Pregnant (or Trying to Be)! (3/26/08)
This podcast discusses the danger of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Pap Tests and Foreign-Born Women Podcast (2/14/08)
Find out why foreign-born women living in the U.S. are less likely to have Pap tests to detect cervical cancer than women born in this country, who these women are, why they are less likely to get a Pap test, and what CDC is doing about it.

Knowledge and Practices of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Regarding Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection during Pregnancy- United States, 2007 (2/14/08)
Fewer than half of OB/GYNs surveyed reported counseling their patients about preventing CMV infection. These results emphasize the need for additional training and for a better understanding of the reasons that physician knowledge might not result in patient counseling.

Folic Acid Awareness (2/14/08)
The B vitamin folic acid helps prevent birth defects. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and while she is pregnant, her baby is less likely to have a major birth defect of the brain or spine.

Use of Supplements Containing Folic Acid among Women of Childbearing Age- United States, 2007 (2/14/08)
Among all women of childbearing age, those aged 18-24 years had the least awareness regarding folic acid consumption, the least knowledge regarding when folic acid should be taken, and the lowest reported daily use of supplements containing folic acid.

2007 Publications and Materials

Abortion Surveillance- United States, 2004 (12/20/07)
A total of 839,226 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC for 2004 from 49 reporting areas, representing a 1.1% decline from the 848,163 legal induced abortions reported by 49 reporting areas for 2003.

Fetal and Perinatal Mortality- United States, 2004 (12/20/07)
The fetal mortality rate for non-Hispanic black women (11.25) was 2.3 times the rate for non-Hispanic white women (4.98), whereas the rate for Hispanic women (5.43) was 9 percent higher than the rate for non-Hispanic white women.

Diabetes and Pregnancy: Gestational Diabetes Podcast (12/20/07)
Gestational diabetes happens in a woman who develops diabetes during pregnancy. This podcast discusses its potential effects and action steps to avoid complications.

Pap Tests and Foreign-Born Women Podcast (12/20/07)
Foreign-born women living in the U.S. are less likely to have Pap tests to detect cervical cancer than women born in this country. The problem is worse for women from certain countries or regions. Find out why this is a disturbing trend, who these women are, why they are less likely to get a Pap test, and what CDC is doing about it.

Pregnant or Thinking about Getting Pregnant? (11/19/07)
These tips can help you prevent infections that could harm your unborn baby. You won't always know if you have an infection; sometimes you won't even feel sick. If you think you might have an infection or think you are at risk, see your doctor.

You CAN Help Prevent Birth Defects Podcast (One-Minute Version) (11/19/07)
Six-Minute Version
To reduce the risk for neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly, women of reproductive age should consume at least 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid daily by eating one serving of fortified breakfast cereal or taking a supplement.

Trends in Folic Acid Supplement Intake among Women of Reproductive Age- California, 2002-2006 (11/19/07)
This report indicates that although the overall prevalence of intake of folic acid-containing supplements remained stable from 2002 (40%) to 2006 (41%) in California, use of such supplements decreased among Hispanic women and women with less education.

Mother-to-Child (Perinatal) HIV Transmission and Prevention (Updated) (11/19/07)
Perinatal HIV transmission is the most common route of HIV infection in children and is now the source of almost all AIDS cases in children in the United States. Most of the children with AIDS are members of minority races/ethnicities.

Pregnant or Thinking about Getting Pregnant? Ten Tips to Prevent Infections during Pregnancy (10/23/07)
Learn how to prevent infection and help keep your unborn baby safe.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (10/23/07)
CMV is the most common congenital (present at birth) infection in the United States. Find out what you should know about CMV if you are pregnant.

Does Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of Pediatric Overweight? (10/9/07)
This Research to Practice brief explores the relationship between breastfeeding and pediatric overweight, and it specifically examines: how this relationship may be influenced by factors such as duration, exclusivity, and age at follow-up; recent surveillance data on initiation, duration, and exclusivity of breastfeeding; and research to practice: evidence-based interventions to promote breastfeeding.

Statistics on Breastfeeding Practices in the U.S.: Results of the National Immunization Survey (10/9/07)
This site presents national trends in breastfeeding practices for children born 1999-2004. Data for trends on exclusive breastfeeding are shown separately for children whose caregivers were interviewed before and after January 2006 because question changes on the 2006 survey instrument had a large effect on rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

Immunization and Pregnancy Flyers (10/9/07)
These flyers focus on the immunizations a woman needs before, during, and after pregnancy.

Breastfeeding Trends and Updated National Health Objectives for Exclusive Breastfeeding- United States, Birth Years 2000-2004 (8/31/07)
The findings in this report indicate that although progress is being made toward achieving the HP2010 objectives for breastfeeding initiation and duration, rates of exclusive breastfeeding are below desired levels, especially among black infants and those born to women who are young, unmarried, have lower incomes, are less educated, or who live in rural areas.

Medications: Information for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women (8/31/07)
It is increasingly important that women talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of taking prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements before getting pregnant, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.

Here's to an Alcohol-Free Pregnancy (8/31/07)
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby. Remember, if a pregnant woman does not drink alcohol, she will prevent serious disabilities caused by alcohol in her unborn baby.

Figure 4. Percent distribution of outpatient department pregnancy-related visits by trimester- United States, 2005. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: Outpatient Department Summary, 2005 (page 5) (8/31/07)

Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance- United States, 2004 (7/27/07)
In 2004, a total of 127,977 ART procedures were reported to CDC. These procedures resulted in 36,760 live-birth deliveries and 49,458 infants. The highest numbers of ART procedures were performed among residents of California (17,303), New York (11,123), Illinois (9,306), Massachusetts (8,906), and New Jersey (8,513).

One Test. Two Lives (7/27/07)
The One Test. Two Lives. campaign focuses on ensuring that all women are tested for HIV early in their pregnancy. One Test. Two Lives. provides quick access to a variety of resources for providers, and materials for their patients, to help encourage universal voluntary prenatal testing for HIV.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Report: 2005 Preliminary Clinic Data by State and National Summary (6/12/07)
The findings represent data from 422 fertility clinics in operation in 2005. The 134,242 ART cycles performed at these reporting clinics resulted in 38,910 live births (deliveries of one or more living infants) and 52,041 infants. This information is preliminary.

Characteristics of Births to Single Race and Multiple Race Women- California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington, 2003 (6/12/07)
In 2003, 2.5 percent of births in California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington were to women who reported two or more races, with levels varying from 1 percent (Utah) to 33 percent (Hawaii).

Trends in Preterm-Related Infant Mortality by Race and Ethnicity- United States, 1999-2004 (6/12/07)
In 2004, 36.5% of all infant deaths in the United States were preterm-related, up from 35.4% in 1999. The preterm-related infant mortality rate for non-Hispanic black mothers was 3.5 times higher and the rate for Puerto Rican mothers was 75% higher than for non-Hispanic white mothers.

CDC's Pregnancy Information Center (6/12/07)
If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions. This website will help you learn how to be healthy (before, during, and after pregnancy) and give your baby a healthy start to life.

Reproductive Health Assessment Toolkit for Conflict-Affected Women (6/12/07)
Using the Toolkit, workers collect information about safe motherhood, family planning, sexual history, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, female genital cutting, and emotional health. With this, organizations can determine how to improve the reproductive health of refugee women and their families.

Expanded Health Data from the New Birth Certificate, 2004 (6/12/07)
This is the first report to present maternal and infant health information exclusive to the 2003 revision of the U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.

Drinking and Reproductive Health: A Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Prevention Tool Kit (6/12/07)
This tool kit aims to teach women's health care providers how to screen and advise all of their patients of reproductive age about risky drinking and encourage the use of effective contraception among patients who continue to engage in risky drinking. It also addresses drinking during pregnancy.

DES Daughters (4/17/07)
DES Daughters are women born between 1938 and 1971 who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth (in the womb). Research has confirmed that DES Daughters are at an increased risk for several diseases and conditions. Learn what you can do to protect your health.

Maternal Mortality and Related Concepts (3/5/07)
This report presents data on U.S. deaths to pregnant or recently pregnant women, summarizes long-term processing issues, and examines recent changes affecting the data and the impact of the changes on the statistics for these women. Maternal deaths increased with the introduction of the ICD-10 and with changes associated with the addition of a separate pregnancy status question on the U.S. Standard Certificate of Death. These changes may result in better identification of maternal deaths.

Fetal and Perinatal Mortality- United States, 2003 (3/5/07)
This report presents 2003 fetal and perinatal mortality data by a variety of characteristics, including maternal age, marital status, race, Hispanic origin, and state of residence; and by infant birthweight, gestational age, plurality, and sex. Trends in fetal and perinatal mortality are also examined. The rate of fetal deaths occurring at 20 weeks of gestation or more (also known as stillbirths) declined substantially between 1990 and 2003. Although fetal mortality rates declined among all racial and ethnic groups from 1990-2003, the rate for non-Hispanic black women was more than double that of non-Hispanic white women (11.56 per 1,000 vs. 4.94 per 1,000).

QuickStats: Percentage of Total Births that were Preterm, by Gestational Age- United States, 1990 and 2005 (3/5/07)
The proportion of total births that were preterm increased from 9.7 percent in 1990 to 11.0 percent in 2005. Most of the increase was among births occurring at 34-36 weeks (i.e., late preterm), which increased from 6.8 percent to 8.1 percent.

QuickStats: Birth Rates among Females Aged 15-19 Years, by State- United States, 2004 (3/5/07)
Age of mother is a predictor of maternal and infant health risk. Pregnant teens aged 15-19 years are less likely to receive timely prenatal care and gain appropriate weight and more likely to smoke during pregnancy than pregnant women aged 20 years and older.

Folate Status in Women of Childbearing Age, by Race/Ethnicity- United States, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004 (2/1/07)
PDF
This report uses National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to update findings and assess trends in serum folate and red blood cell folate levels by race/ethnicity from the 1999-2000 survey through the 2003-2004 survey. The results of these comparisons indicated that median serum folate concentrations among nonpregnant women of childbearing age decreased 16% from 1999-2000 through 2003-2004, and RBC folate concentrations decreased 8%. All women of childbearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume 400 Âµg of folic acid daily to reduce the occurrence of NTD-affected pregnancies.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Success Rates: National Summary and Fertility Clinic Reports, 2004 (2/1/07)
The 2004 report of pregnancy success rates is the tenth to be issued under the law. This report is based on the latest available data on the type, number, and outcome of ART cycles performed in U.S. clinics. The full on-line version and hardcopies of the report will be available February 20, 2007.

Recent Trends in Teenage Pregnancy in the United States, 1990-2002 (1/8/07)
In 2002, an estimated 757,000 pregnancies among teenagers 15-19 years resulted in 425,000 live births, 215,000 induced abortions, and 117,000 fetal losses. The overall teenage pregnancy rate was estimated at 76.4 pregnancies per 1,000 females aged 15-19 years.

The Costs of an Outreach Intervention for Low-Income Women with Abnormal Pap Smears (1/8/07)
PDF
In a health care system in which many women fail to get follow-up care for an abnormal Pap smear, outreach workers were more effective than usual care (mail or telephone reminders) at increasing follow-up rates. The results suggest that outreach workers should manage their effort based on the degree of abnormality; most effort should be placed on women with the most severe abnormality (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion).

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