Safe Motherhood Safe motherhood begins before conception with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle and continues with appropriate prenatal care, the prevention of complications when possible, and the early and effective treatment of complications. The ideal result is a pregnancy at term without unnecessary interventions, the delivery of a healthy infant, and a healthy postpartum period in a positive environment that supports the physical and emotional needs of the woman, infant, and family.

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To better understand the burden of maternal complications and mortality and to decrease disparities among populations at risk of death and complications from pregnancy, the Division of Reproductive Health supports national and state-based surveillance systems to monitor trends and investigate health issues; conducts epidemiologic, behavioral, demographic, and health services research; and works with partners to translate research findings into health care practice, public health policy, and health promotion strategies.

Reproductive Health and novel H1N1 Flu CDC is concerned about women and their families when there are either 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. Pregnant Women Are More Severely Impacted by Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus and Need Prompt Treatment with Antiviral Medication A new CDC study of the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza outbreak shows that pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have been severely impacted by the novel H1N1 virus. 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Pregnant Women Questions and answers for the general public and health care providers.

Receipt of Influenza Vaccine During Pregnancy Among Women With Live Births—Georgia and Rhode Island, 2004–2007 Pregnant women are at increased risk for complications from influenza. Since 2004, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Obstetric Practice have recommended that all pregnant women be vaccinated with the trivalent inactivated vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy. Source: MMWR 2009; 58(35):972–975.