Maternal & Child Health

Did You Know? is a feature from the Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support to inform your prevention activities. We invite you to read, share, and take action!

September 18, 2020

Every year, 700 women die in the United States from problems related to pregnancy or delivery complications, but two-thirds of these deaths are preventable. Recognizing urgent warning signs during and after pregnancy and getting immediate care can save lives.
CDC’s Hear Her campaign encourages partners, friends, and family to really listen and take action when a pregnant or postpartum woman says something doesn’t feel right.
Public health professionals can help prevent pregnancy-related deaths by using and sharing these personal stories and Hear Her campaign resources, including graphics, videos, social media posts, and PSAs.

October 11, 2019

Pregnant women who get vaccines for flu and whooping cough (Tdap) pass on disease-fighting antibodies to their babies, protecting them for several months after birth.
Even though flu and Tdap vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy, about 2 in 3 moms-to-be do not receive both.
A healthcare provider’s strong recommendation and offer of flu and Tdap vaccines is one of the strongest motivators for pregnant women to get vaccinated—according to the latest Vital Signs.

May 10, 2019

According to this month’s Vital Signs, 700 pregnancy-related deaths happen each year in the United States before, during, and up to a year after delivery.
3 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented, no matter when they occur.
States and communities can help prevent future deaths and improve delivery of quality care by supporting the maternal mortality review processexternal icon.

March 1, 2019

Venous thromboembolism, commonly known as a blood clot, is an underdiagnosed yet preventable medical condition that can cause disability and death.
Anyone can develop a blood clot, but women who are pregnant or who recently had a baby are five times more likely to experience one.
Public health professionals can help prevent blood clots by sharing information from the Stop the Clot, Spread the Word^TMexternal icon campaign and related infographics, fact sheets, and videos.

December 14, 2018

All pregnant women should be screened for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, and some should be screened for hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and TB.
CDC screening recommendations are designed to prevent transmission of infections to the infant and ensure timely care and treatment for both mother and baby.
Healthcare providers can use this helpful timeline for screening pregnant patients.

December 7, 2018

Syphilis cases in newborn babies have more than doubled in 4 years, reaching a 20-year high, according to CDC’s new 2017 STD Surveillance Report.
Testing and treatment are vital because syphilis passed to a baby during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe lifelong physical and mental health problems.
Health departments can take action to reduce syphilis pdf icon[PDF-2.8MB] and work with healthcare providers to properly screen for, interpret test results pdf icon[PDF-1MB]external icon, and treat syphilis.

August 10, 2018

According to the latest Vital Signs report, 1 in 7 babies born to mothers with confirmed or possible Zika during pregnancy had health problems, such as hearing and vision problems.
Detecting these health problems early can help babies and children get the follow-up care they need.
Healthcare providers can work with parents to ensure babies and children affected by Zika get the recommended evaluation and testing.

May 11, 2018

Good nutrition during the first 2 years of life is vital for healthy growth and development, and starting good practices early can help children develop healthy eating habits.
Essential vitamins and minerals are important for children’s development—from helping build strong bones to supporting a child’s ability to learn.
Health professionals can share resources from CDC and partners about healthy foods and drinks for infants and toddlers, breastfeeding, mealtime tips, and introducing solid foods.

April 20, 2018

Through on-time immunization, we can protect infants and children from 14 vaccine- preventable diseases before age 2.
While childhood immunization rates remain high, children in the US can and sometimes do get diseases that some parents might consider diseases of the past.
Health professionals can help parents learn more about childhood immunization by using CDC-recommended resources for talking to parents about vaccines.

January 26, 2018

One in 6 children aged 3–17 years has a developmental disability pdf icon[PDF-8MB]—a condition that affects how a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves.
Regularly tracking developmental milestones can identify these disabilities early, when children can benefit most from early intervention.
Healthcare providers can encourage parents to track developmental milestones using the Milestone Tracker app and other CDC materials.

January 12, 2018

There are about 3,500 sleep-related deaths among US babies each year.
Although safe sleep practices—like placing babies on their back to sleep—can reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, unsafe sleep practices are still common, according to the latest Vital Signs report.
State and local health departments can promote safe sleep recommendationsexternal icon by conducting communication campaigns, training care providers in hospitals and childcare centers, and working with programs that serve mothers and babies.

April 21, 2017

Vaccination of children born during 1994–2013 will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes.
Following the recommended childhood immunization schedule protects babies and children by providing immunity early in life.
Healthcare providers and public health professionals can educate patients about the importance of vaccination and staying on schedule using easy-to-read resources recommended by CDC.

Did You Know? information and web links are current as of their publication date. They may become outdated over time.

Page last reviewed: October 11, 2019