CDC - Women's Health -Topics A-Z - Pregnancy and Reproductive Health

General Information and Programs

Research, Recommendations, and Guidelines

2012

Lead Poisoning in Pregnant Women Who Used Ayurvedic Medications from India - New York City, 2011–2012 (8/30/2012)
Foreign-born pregnant women might be at increased risk for lead poisoning. Health-care providers should ask patients, especially foreign-born or pregnant patients, about any use of foreign health products, supplements, and remedies such as Ayurvedic medications.

Breastfeeding Report Card-United States, 2012 (8/30/2012)
This year’s Breastfeeding Report Card reveals that hospital support for breastfeeding has improved. Since 2009 47 states and the District of Columbia have increased their score on CDC’s Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care survey. Births at Baby-Friendly hospitals have increased from 1.93 percent in 2008 to 6.22 percent in 2012.

Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep! (8/30/2012)
Protect your baby from group B strep. If you're 35-37 weeks pregnant, ask your doctor or nurse about a group B strep test.

Intended and Unintended Births in the United States: 1982-2010 (8/30/2012)
About 37% of births in the United States were unintended at the time of conception. Large differences exist between groups in the percentage of births that are unintended.

Preconception Health Indicators Among Women - Texas, 2002-2010 (8/30/2012)
The Texas Department of State Health Services analyzed PRAMS responses regarding preconception health of Texas women who delivered a live-born infant during 2002−2010. Among women who responded, 48% had no health-care insurance coverage before pregnancy and 46% reported an unintended pregnancy.

Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep! (8/30/2012)
Protect your baby from group B strep. If you're 35-37 weeks pregnant, ask your doctor or nurse about a group B strep test.

Cytomegalovirus: Protect Your Baby (8/30/2012)
In the U.S. 1 in 750 children have disabilities due to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Learn how to protect your baby from CMV.

Congenital Transmission of Chagas Disease - Virginia, 2010 (8/30/2012)
This report describes the first case of congenital Chagas disease in the United States confirmed by CDC and highlights the importance of raising awareness of Chagas disease among health-care providers.

Cohort Fertility Tables for All, White, and Black Women: United States, 2006-2009 (8/30/2012)
These tables present detailed fertility data for cohorts of women as they pass through their childbearing years and include central birth rates, cumulative birth rates, birth distributions, and birth probabilities.

Births: Final Data for 2010 (8/30/2012)
The number of births declined to 3,999,386 in 2010, 3 percent less than in 2009. The teenage birth rate fell 10 percent to 34.2 per 1,000.

Prevalence and Timing of Oral Sex with Opposite-sex Partners Among Females and Males Aged 15–24 Years: United States, 2007–2010 (8/30/2012)
About two-thirds of females (66%) and males (65%) aged 15–24 years in 2007–2010 had ever had oral sex.

Estimated Pregnancy Rates and Rates of Pregnancy Outcomes for the United States, 1990-2008 (6/30/2012)
In 2008, an estimated 6,578,000 pregnancies resulted in 4,248,000 live births, 1,212,000 induced abortions, and 1,118,000 fetal losses. Pregnancy rates have declined significantly for non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic teenagers.

Breastfeeding Action Guides for Health Care Settings (6/30/2012)
Three new action guides: Doctors in Action, Nurses in Action and Health Care Leaders in Action.

Update to CDC’s U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010: Revised Recommendations for the Use of Hormonal Contraception Among Women at High Risk for HIV Infection or Infected with HIV (6/30/2012)
This report summarizes CDC’s assessment of the evidence regarding hormonal contraceptive use and the risk for HIV acquisition, transmission, and disease progression and the resulting updated guidance. These updated recommendations affirm the previous guidance, which stated that 1) the use of hormonal contraceptives, including combined hormonal contraceptives, progestin-only pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, and implants, is safe for women at high risk for HIV infection or infected with HIV (US MEC category 1), and 2) all women who use contraceptive methods other than condoms should be counseled regarding the use of condoms and the risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Ectopic Pregnancy Mortality - Florida, 2009-2010 (3/8/2012)
This report summarizes investigation results, which identified 11 ectopic pregnancy deaths from 2009-2010 and 13 deaths from the 10-year period 1999-2008. The increase in ectopic mortality appears to be associated with illicit drug use and delays in seeking health care.

Recent Trends in Births and Fertility Rates Through June 2011 (3/8/2012)
The provisional count of births in the United States for the 12-month period ending June 2011 was 3,978,000, which was 2 percent lower than the provisional count of 4,057,000 for the 12-month period ending June 2010.

Protecting Babies from Flu (A Minute of Health with CDC Podcast) (3/8/2012)
Because expectant mothers are at increased risk for severe complications from influenza, CDC recommends they get an annual flu vaccine. This podcast discusses the importance of the flu vaccine for those who are pregnant.

Prevent Infections in Pregnancy (3/8/2012)
Take steps to help keep your unborn baby safe. These 10 tips can help you prevent infections. You won't always know if you have an infection-sometimes you won't even feel sick.

Are You Pregnant or a New Mom? (3/8/2012)
Get free text messages with tips for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Send our new e-card!

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Quiz (3/8/2012)
Take this interactive quiz, available in English and Spanish, to test your knowledge about the facts of teen pregnancy. Share the quiz with your friends and coworkers, post it on your Web site or share it on your social media networks!

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women - 29 States and New York City, 2009-10 Season (3/8/2012)
Results from PRAMS for the 2009-10 influenza season indicate that trivalent seasonal and monovalent pH1N1 vaccination coverage levels among women pregnant during the season were higher than previous seasonal rates, were highly associated with a health-care provider offer or recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy, and varied substantially among states.

Home Births in the United States: 1990-2009 (1/31/2012)
After a decline from 1990 to 2004, the percentage of U.S. births that occurred at home increased by 29%, from 0.56% of births in 2004 to 0.72% in 2009.

Three Decades of Twin Births in the United States, 1980-2009 (1/31/2012)
The number of twin births more than doubled from 1980 through 2009, rising from 68,339 to more than 137,000 births in each year from 2006 to 2009. In 1980, 1 in every 53 babies born in the United States was a twin, compared with 1 in every 30 births in 2009.

Folic Acid Helps Prevent Neural Tube Defects (1/31/2012)
If a woman consumes 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, she can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before and during pregnancy.

Medication Use During Pregnancy (1/31/2012)
The safety of most medications taken by pregnant women is unknown and dependent on many factors. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Reproductive Health Assessment After Disaster Toolkit (1/31/2012)
The Reproductive Health Assessment After Disaster Toolkit provides a set of tools to assess the reproductive health needs of women aged 15-44 affected by natural and man-made disasters. (Funding and scientific technical assistance provided by CDC).

Prepregnancy Contraceptive Use Among Teens with Unintended Pregnancies Resulting in Live Births - Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 2004-2008 (1/31/2012)
This report indicates that teens from 19 states who delivered a live infant from an unintended pregnancy have much lower rates of contraceptive use when compared with all sexually active teens.

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2011

Smoking Cessation for Pregnancy and Beyond (12/29/2011)
This is an interactive Web-based program designed for health care professionals to hone their skills in assisting pregnant women to quit smoking. Up to 4 hours of continuing education credits can be earned by completing the practicum.

Ticket for Two - International Travel during Pregnancy (12/29/2011)
Stacie Dunkle talks about traveling while pregnant. Also, she wants to hear from you. Have you traveled during pregnancy or had to pass on a trip because you were expecting? How has being a parent changed your career?

Diabetes and Pregnancy (12/8/2011)
Learn how to control your blood sugar before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriages or stillbirths.

Births: Preliminary Data for 2010 (12/8/2011)
The preliminary number of US births was 4,000,279 in 2010, 3 percent less than in 2009; the general fertility rate (64.1 per 1,000 women age 15-44 years) and the total fertility rate (1,932.0 births per 1,000 women) also declined in 2010.

Teen Birth Rate Hit Record Low in 2010: CDC Report Also Notes First Decline in C-section Rate in Over a Decade (12/8/2011)
The birth rate for U.S. teens aged 15-19 years hit a record low in 2010. The report also documented the first decline in the rate of cesarean deliveries since 1996. In 2010, the cesarean section rate was 32.8, down slightly from 32.9 in 2009.

Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2008 (12/8/2011)
A total of 825,564 abortions were reported to CDC for 2008. Women aged 20-29 years accounted for 57.1% of all abortions reported in 2008.

Births: Final Data for 2009 (12/8/2011)
The number of births declined to 4,130,665 in 2009, 3 percent less than in 2008. The teenage birth rate fell 6 percent to 39.1 per 1,000. This report presents 2009 data on U.S. births according to a wide variety of characteristics.

Update: New Recommendations for Mefloquine Use in Pregnancy (12/8/2011)
CDC now recommends the antimalarial drug mefloquine for pregnant women both as a malaria treatment option and as an option to prevent malaria infection for all trimesters.

Pregnant Women Need a Flu Shot 12/8/2011
If you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu. A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their unborn babies, and even their babies after birth.

Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Childbearing, 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth (11/3/2011)
This report presents national estimates of sexual activity, contraceptive use, and births among males and females aged 15-19 in the United States in 2006-2010 from the National Survey of Family Growth.

Updated Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) in Pregnant Women and Persons Who Have or Anticipate Having Close Contact with an Infant Aged< 12 Months-Advisory Committee on Immunization Practies (ACIP), 2011 (11/3/2011)
On June 22, 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made recommendations for use of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (Tdap) in unvaccinated pregnant women and updated recommendations on cocooning and special situations. This report summarizes data considered and conclusions made by ACIP and provides guidance for implementing its recommendations.

CDC Announces New Effort to Boost Number of Baby-Friendly Hospitals (11/3/2011)
CDC has awarded nearly $6 million over three years to the National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality to help hospitals nationwide make quality improvements to maternity care to better support mothers and babies to be able to breastfeed. The goal of the project is to accelerate the number of U.S. Baby-Friendly hospitals.

A Message to Health Care Professionals: Teen Pregnancy (11/3/2011)
Teens urge health care professionals across the nation to talk to their teen patients about pregnancy and contraception to help improve the lives of all young people.

Infertility Frequently Asked Questions (9/16/2011)
Answers to sixteen frequently asked questions on infertility in men and women, causes, risk, when to seek help, treatment, and more.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women - United States, 2010-11 Influenza Season (9/16/2011)
Results from this survey indicate that the record high influenza vaccination levels among pregnant women reported for the previous influenza season (2009-10) were sustained during the 2010-11 season.

National and State Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13 Through 17 Years - United States, 2010 (9/16/2011)
In 2010, vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13 through 17 years increased from coverage in 2009; however, the percentage-point increase in ≥1 dose of HPV among females (4.4 points) was less than half the increase observed for ≥1 dose of Tdap (13.1) and ≥1 dose of MenACWY (9.1).

Pregnant Women and Flu - Free Materials (9/16/2011)
Tools (flyers, brochures, article, posters, fact sheet) developed specifically for pregnant women and their providers. Free materials also available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/ .

Childbearing Differences Among Three Generations of U.S. Women (9/16/2011)
This report presents data on three selected birth cohorts of women representing generations born at 25-year intervals in 1910, 1935, and 1960, close to the average length of a generation in the United States.

Vital Signs: Hospital Practices to Support Breastfeeding -- United States, 2007 and 2009 (9/16/2011)
Most U.S. hospitals have policies and practices that do not conform to international recommendations for best practices in maternity care and interfere with mothers' abilities to breastfeed.

Hospitals Need Better Maternity Care Practices (9/16/2011)
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative recommends 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Find out how better maternity care practices can help mothers start and continue breastfeeding.

Recent Trends in Births and Fertility Rates Through 2010 (6/15/2011)
The broad-based decline in births and fertility rates from 2007 through 2009 is now well-documented. An earlier NCHS Health E-Stat showed the overall birth count and fertility rate continuing to decline through the first 6 months of 2010. This report updates and extends the trend through December 2010.

Liquid-based Cytology Test Use by Office-based Physicians: United States, 2006-2007 (6/15/2011)
In 2006-2007, liquid-based cytology (LBC) was used in approximately 75% of Pap tests for which the type of cytology was known. LBC was less likely to be used for Medicare patients than for privately insured patients, although LBC use did not vary significantly according to the other patient or practice characteristics examined. The high percentage of LBC use by office-based physicians in 2006-2007 confirms the widespread use of this screening method among primary care providers, as has been reported in the literature.

Emerging Issues in the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Influenza among Pregnant Women in the United States, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol 204, No. 6 June, 2011, Supplement. (6/15/2011)
This 164-page supplement with 23 papers in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology entitled “Emerging Issues in the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Influenza among Pregnant Women in the United States”, contains a wide variety of papers summarizing some of what was learned about influenza in pregnancy from the recent pandemic.

Reducing Teen Pregnancy: Engaging Communities (5/10/2011)
CDC works to improve the lives of young people and strengthen communities by reducing teen pregnancy. Learn about CDC's communitywide initiative and what you can do.

Teen Pregnancy Social Media Tools and Messages (5/10/2011)
Find free, easy-to-use communication tools that can help expand the reach of your health messages and help increase public engagement.

Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep Podcast (5/10/2011)
In this podcast, Tarayn Fairlie, a pediatrician and mom, talks about group B strep in pregnant women, the serious effects it can have on newborns, how you can find out if you have group B strep bacteria in your body and what to do to prevent spreading it to your infant.

Diabetes and Pregnancy (5/10/2011)
Control your blood sugar before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth.

Surveillance of Health Status in Minority Communities - Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Across the U.S. (REACH U.S.) Risk Factor Survey, United States, 2009 (5/10/2011)
The median percentage of women aged ≥40 years who reported having had a mammogram during the previous 2 years ranged from 72.7% in American Indian communities to 80.7% in black communities. The median percentage of women with an intact uterine cervix who reported having had a Pap smear screening during the previous 3 years ranged from 74.4% in Asian and other Pacific Islanders communities to 85.0% in black communities.

Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease to Improve the Health of Women and Infants (4/20/2011)
This fact sheet highlights the burden and effects of chronic disease and related risk factors on reproductive aged women and on their pregnancy outcomes. It also includes steps women can take to improve their health, related CDC activities, and additional resources.

Epidural and Spinal Anesthesia Use During Labor: 27-state Reporting Area, 2008 (4/20/2011)
Overall, 61 percent of women who had a singleton birth in a vaginal delivery in the 27 states in 2008 received epidural or spinal anesthesia; non-Hispanic white women received epidural or spinal anesthesia more often (69 percent) than other racial groups. Among Hispanic origin groups, Puerto Rican women were most likely to receive epidural or spinal anesthesia (68 percent). Levels increased with increasing maternal educational attainment.

Malaria Surveillance - United States, 2009 (4/20/2011)
In 2009, a total 19 cases of malaria were reported among pregnant women and three congenital malaria cases. Of the 19 cases in pregnant women, two had severe malaria, and none reported adherence to the chemoprophylaxis drug regimen.

Vital Signs: Teen Pregnancy -- United States, 1991-2009 (4/20/2011)
Overall, in 2009, approximately 410,000 teens aged 15-19 years gave birth in the United States, a rate of 39.1 births per 1,000 females. This report describes trends in birth rates among U.S. teens aged 15-19 years and percentages of high school students having sexual intercourse and using contraceptives.

Vital Signs: Preventing Teen Pregnancy in the U.S. (4/20/2011)
Prevention efforts work by teaching teens how and why to delay starting sex and steps that they need to take if they become sexually active. Key components include sex education that has been shown to work, support for parent-teen communication about preventing pregnancy, and ready access to sexual and reproductive health services. Sexually active teens should have access to effective and affordable birth control.

Smoking Early in Pregnancy Raises Risk of Heart Defects in Infants (3/30/2011)
The study found an association between tobacco exposure and certain types of defects such as those that obstruct the flow of blood from the right side of the heart into the lungs (right ventricular outflow tract obstructions) and openings between the upper chambers of the heart (atrial septal defects). The study is in the Feb. 28 issue of the journal Pediatrics.

Maternal, Pregnancy, and Birth Characteristics of Asians and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders - King County, Washington, 2003-2008 (3/15/2011)
These results identify important differences and support routine presentation of health data separately for Asians and NHPIs.

Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2007 (3/15/2011)
A total of 827,609 abortions were reported to CDC for 2007. Women aged 20-29 years accounted for 56.9% of all abortions in 2007 and for the majority of abortions during the entire period of analysis (1998-2007).

Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Lead Exposure in Pregnant and Lactating Women (3/15/2011)
The guidelines are based on scientific data and practical considerations regarding preventing lead exposure during pregnancy, assessment and blood lead testing during pregnancy, medical and environmental management to reduce fetal exposure, breastfeeding, and follow up of infants and children exposed to lead in utero.

U.S. Teenage Birth Rate Resumes Decline (3/15/2011)
The teenage birth rate declined 8 percent in the United States from 2007 through 2009, reaching a historic low at 39.1 births per 1,000 teens aged 15-19 years.

Text4baby for Pregnant Women and New Moms (3/15/2011)
Pregnant women and new moms can receive free text messages each week with information for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Contraceptive Methods Available to Patients of Office-Based Physicians and Title X Clinics - United States, 2009-2010 (1/24/2011)
This report summarizes results of a survey, which indicated that a greater proportion of Title X clinic providers than office-based physicians offered on-site availability of a number of methods, including injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and combined oral contraceptive pills. Less than maximal use of long-acting, reversible contraceptive methods, including IUDs and contraceptive implants, might be a contributing factor to high unintended pregnancy rates in the United States.

Notes from the Field: Congenital Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis - New York (1/24/2011)
Mother-to-child transmission of LCMV during pregnancy can cause abortion, chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, or microencephaly, and can result in life-long vision deficits or neurologic impairment. Clinically, congenital LCMV infection closely resembles perinatal infections caused by the pathogens grouped under the TORCH acronym: toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus.

Medication Use During Pregnancy (1/24/2011)
This year, National Birth Defects Prevention Month focuses on medication use and pregnancy. Learn what you should do if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Take 400 mcg of Folic Acid Today! (1/24/2011)
Every year, about 300,000 children around the world including the U.S. are born with neural tube defects. If women take 400 mcg of folic acid daily, before and during pregnancy, they can help prevent them.

2008 Assisted Reproductive Technology Success Rates: National Summary and Fertility Clinic Reports (1/10/2011)
In this report 148,055 ART cycles were performed at 436 reporting clinics in the United States during 2008, resulting in 46,326 live births (deliveries of one or more living infants) and 61,426 infants.

Births: Preliminary Data for 2009 (1/10/2011)
This report presents preliminary data for 2009 on births in the United States. U.S. data on births are shown by age, live-birth order, race, and Hispanic origin of mother. The 2009 preliminary number of US births declined 3 percent from 2008, to 4,131,019.

Blood Lead and Mercury Levels in Pregnant Women in the United States, 2003-2008 (1/10/2011)
In general, U.S. pregnant women have low levels of lead in their blood. Pregnant women have lower mercury and lead levels than nonpregnant women. Among pregnant women, mercury levels, but not lead levels, increase with age.
Recent Trends in Births and Fertility Rates Through June 2010 (1/10/2011)
The provisional count of births in the United States for the 12-month period ending with June 2010 fell 3 percent to 4,055,000 from the provisional count for the 12-month period ending with June 2009. This continues a decline in the number of births from an all-time high of 4,316,233 in 2007.

Seasonal Influenza and 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women - 10 States, 2009-10 Influenza Season (1/7/2011)
Because pregnant women are at increased risk for severe disease associated with influenza infection, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have recommended seasonal influenza vaccination for women while pregnant, regardless of trimester.

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2010

Pregnant? Don’t Smoke (12/7/2010)
Quitting smoking can be hard, but it is one of the best ways a woman can protect herself and her baby's health. For free help, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Pregnant Women Need a Flu Shot! (10/29/10)
If you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu. A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their unborn babies, and even their babies after birth.

National Action Plan for the Prevention, Detection and Management of Infertility (10/29/10)
The goal of the National Action Plan is to promote, preserve, and restore the ability of people who live in the United States to have a healthy child. This includes helping women to conceive, carry a pregnancy to term, and have a live birth. It also seeks to reduce the burden of infertility and impaired fecundity in the United States through prevention, early detection, and treatment of conditions that can lead to infertility.

State Disparities in Teenage Birth Rates in the United States (10/29/10)
This report examines disparities in teenage birth rates by state and among the largest racial and ethnic population groups. In 2008, state-specific teenage birth rates varied widely, from less than 25.0 per 1,000 15-19 year olds to more than 60.0. Rates for non-Hispanic white and Hispanic teenagers were uniformly higher in the Southeast and lower in the Northeast and California.

Teenage Pregnancy Prevention: Integrating Services, Programs, and Strategies through Communitywide Initiatives (10/29/10)
The national organizations will provide training and technical assistance to all funded organizations within this initiative. The state- and community-based grantees will provide training and technical assistance to youth-serving organizations and partners to implement the Key Components.

Educating Teenagers About Sex in the United States (9/30/10)
Most teenagers received formal sex education before they were 18 (96% of female and 97% of male teenagers). Female teenagers were more likely than male teenagers to report first receiving instruction on birth control methods in high school (47% compared with 38%).

Breastfeeding Report Card-United States, 2010 (9/30/10)
The most recent CDC data show that 3 out of every 4 new mothers in the U.S. now starts out breastfeeding. The U.S. has now met the Healthy People 2010 national objective for breastfeeding initiation. However, rates of breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months as well as rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months remain stagnant and low.

Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Childbearing, 2006-2008 (7/30/10)
This report presents national estimates of sexual activity, contraceptive use, and births among males and females 15-19 years of age in the United States in 2006-2008 from the National Survey of Family Growth.

U S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010 (7/30/10)
This guidance comprises recommendations for the use of specific contraceptive methods by women and men who have certain characteristics or medical conditions.

2007 CDC National Survey of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) (7/30/10)
Results from the survey indicate that birth facilities in most states are not providing maternity care that is fully supportive of breastfeeding. In addition, the southern region of the U.S., typically the region with the lowest breastfeeding rates, has the lowest maternity care practices scores.

Preventing Infections During Pregnancy (7/30/10)
Simple steps can help keep your unborn baby safe.

Cohort Fertility Tables for All, White and Black Women: United States, 1960-2005 (7/30/10)
This report presents fertility data for cohorts of all, white and black women, as they pass through their childbearing years of 14 through 49, includes the central birth rate, cumulative birth rate, and birth probability by age and live-birth order.

Perceived Health Needs and Receipt of Services During Pregnancy - Oklahoma and South Carolina, 2004-2007 (7/30/10)
This report summarizes the results of an analysis, which indicated substantial differences between perceived need and receipt of 1) assistance in reducing violence in the home, 2) counseling information for family or personal problems, 3) help to quit smoking, 4) help with an alcohol or drug problem, and 5) dental care.

Use of Contraception in the United States: 1982-2008 (5/28/10)
This report presents national estimates of contraceptive use and method choice based on the 1982, 1995, 2002, and 2006-2008 National Surveys of Family Growth (NSFG). Contraceptive use is a major factor affecting birth and pregnancy rates as well as the rate of unintended pregnancy.

Are Preterm Births on the Decline in the United States? Recent Data From the National Vital Statistics System (5/28/10)
Preliminary 2007 and 2008 birth certificate data reveal a shift in the long upward trend in preterm births. This report describes this change.

Diabetes and Pregnancy (5/28/10)
Controlling diabetes before and during pregnancy will help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth.

What You Should Know about Alcohol and Pregnancy (4/30/10)
CDC urges pregnant women not to drink alcohol any time during pregnancy. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink and no safe kind of alcohol.

2009 H1N1 and Pregnancy (4/30/10)
This document provides updated information on pregnancy as a risk factor for serious 2009 H1N1-related complications based on findings from a recent study.

Births: Preliminary Data for 2008 (pdf) (4/30/10)
The preliminary number of 2008 US births was 4,251,095, down nearly 2 percent from the 2007 peak; the 2008 general fertility rate (68.7 per 1,000) also declined. The number and rate of births decreased for the three largest race and Hispanic origin groups in 2008. The birth rate for US teenagers 15-19 fell 2 percent in 2008 to 41.5 per 1,000, reversing a brief two-year increase that had halted the long-term decline from 1991 to 2005.

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 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Pregnant Women Requiring Intensive Care -- New York City, 2009 (4/1/10)
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted surveillance for cases in pregnant women requiring intensive care. The findings indicated that, during 2009, 16 pregnant women and one who was postpartum were admitted to intensive-care units. Two women died. Of the 17 women, 12 had no risk factors for severe influenza complications other than pregnancy, and only one woman received antiviral treatment within 2 days of symptom onset.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration, by State - National Immunization Survey, United States, 2004--2008 (4/1/10)
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. Most states were not meeting the HP2010 targets for breastfeeding duration for any racial/ethnic group. Breastfeeding should be promoted through comprehensive clinical and social supports starting in pregnancy, and including the birth, delivery, and postpartum periods.

Text4baby (4/1/10)
Text4baby is a free service that can help you give your baby the best possible start in life. Women who sign up will receive three, free SMS text messages each week, timed to their due date or the baby's date of birth. Learn how to sign up for text4baby.

Text4baby (3/1/10)
Text4baby is a mobile information service that provides free text messages to pregnant women and new moms to help keep them safe and healthy. The messages address a variety of topics, including immunizations, nutrition, flu, mental health, oral health, and more. Text4baby is an educational program of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. CDC is one of many outreach partners for this new program. Learn how you can become a partner.

Text4baby PSA (3/1/10)
Hear Sherri Shepherd, co-host of The View, encourage women to sign up for text4baby in this radio PSA.

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2009

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.

Abortion Surveillance: United States, 2006 (11/30/09)
Each year, CDC requests abortion data from the central health agencies in 52 reporting areas (the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia). For 2006, a total of 846,181 abortions were reported to CDC. Among the 46 areas that provided data consistently during 1996-2006, a total of 835,134 abortions (98.7% of the total) were reported. During the previous decade (1997-2006), the number of reported abortions decreased 5.7%; most of this decline occurred before 2001. During the previous year (2005-2006), the total number of abortions increased 3.1%.

Diabetes and Pregnancy (11/30/09)
Controlling diabetes before and during pregnancy will help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth.

Pregnant? Don't Smoke! Learn How and Why to Quit for Good (11/30/09)
Quitting smoking can be hard, but it is one of the best ways a woman can protect herself and her baby's health. For free help, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Holiday Food Safety During Pregnancy (11/30/09)
Learn how to keep you and your unborn baby healthy this holiday season by being food safe.

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.

Pregnancy and 2009 H1N1 Flu: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby (10/30/09)
Pregnant women can get seriously ill with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called "novel H1N1 flu" or "swine flu"). Learn how to protect yourself and your baby and what to do if you have symptoms of the flu.

Expanded Health Data from the New Birth Certificate, 2006 (10/30/09)
This report presents 2006 data on new checkbox items exclusive to the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. Information is shown for checkboxes 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.’’ There were 2,073,368 births to residents of the 19-state reporting area, representing 49 percent of 2006 U.S. births.

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.

Emergency Planning Tips If You're Pregnant or Have Young Children (4/30/09)
Emergencies such as natural disasters can be a scary and stressful time, especially for pregnant women or women with infants or children. Though you may feel it is impossible to be ready for unexpected events, being prepared can help you avoid stress and put you in a better position to handle emergences.

Interim Guidance--Pregnant Women and Swine Influenza: Considerations for Clinicians (4/30/09)
Pregnant women with swine influenza would be expected to present with typical acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea) and fever or feverishness. Many pregnant women will go on to have a typical course of uncomplicated influenza. However, for some pregnant women, illness might progress rapidly, and might be complicated by secondary bacterial infections including pneumonia.

Possible Congenital Infection with La Crosse Encephalitis Virus - West Virginia, 2006-2007 (3/31/09)
PDF (p. 4)
This report describes the first known case of La Crosse encephalitis virus (LACV) infection in a pregnant woman, with evidence of possible congenital infection with LACV in her infant, based on the presence of immunoglobulin M antibodies in umbilical cord serum at delivery. The infant was born healthy with normal neurologic and cognitive functions and no LACV symptoms. Further investigation is needed to confirm the potential for intrauterine LACV transmission and to identify immediate and long-term health risks posed to infants. Because of the potential for congenital infection, pregnant women in areas where LACV is endemic should be advised to avoid mosquitoes; health-care providers should monitor for LACV infection and sequelae among infants born to women infected with LACV during pregnancy.

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.

Trends in Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease - United States, 2000--2006 (2/27/09)
PDF (p. 109)
This updated analysis revealed an increase in the overall rate of early-onset GBS disease from 2003 to 2006, driven by an increasing incidence among black term infants. Late-onset GBS disease incidence among black infants, which had increased during 2003-2005, declined in 2006. Continued monitoring is needed to follow trends in early-onset GBS disease among black infants to determine whether additional interventions are warranted.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Trends in Low Birthweight - Massachusetts, 1997-2004 (1/30/09)
PDF
This report indicates that, on average, 2% of births during the period resulted from ART; however, 7% of low birthweight (LBW) births resulted from ART. The rate of LBW increased during this period among non-ART singletons (from 4.8% to 5.1%), accounting for an additional 407 LBW infants, and among ART singletons (from 6.4% to 8.2%), accounting for an additional 59 LBW infants. Although ART contributes disproportionately to LBW, only a small percentage of the excess LBW births in Massachusetts are explained by ART; therefore, other causes for the increase in LBW should be examined.

Fetal and Perinatal Mortality, United States, 2005 (1/30/09)
From 2003 to 2005, fetal mortality rates declined significantly for non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women, but not for Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), or Asian or Pacific Islander women. In 2005, the fetal mortality rate for non-Hispanic black women (11.13) was 2.3 times the rate for non-Hispanic white women (4.79). The rate for AIAN women (6.17) was 29% higher, and the rate for Hispanic women (5.44) was 14% higher than the rate for non-Hispanic white women. Fetal mortality rates are elevated for a number of groups, including teenagers, women aged 35 years and over, unmarried women, and multiple deliveries. In 2005, one-half of fetal deaths of 20 weeks of gestation or more occurred at 20-27 weeks of gestation.

A Public Health Focus on Infertility Prevention, Detection, and Management (1/30/09)
This new report from the CDC examines the issue of infertility in the United States. The article, published in Fertility and Sterility, presents information on the efforts of a CDC-wide working group that found considerable gaps and opportunities in surveillance, research, communication, and policy development on infertility.

Enhanced Perinatal Surveillance--Participating Areas in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2000-2003 (1/30/09)
This report describes the population of HIV-infected women who gave birth during 2000 through 2003. These data provide information for further focusing perinatal prevention efforts in the United States and the dependent areas. The data are presented by child’s birth year so that readers can understand the characteristics of this population in a particular year. This report includes data from the 24 areas conducting EPS for live births during 2000 through 2003.

Ties That Bind: Maternal and Child Health and Chronic Disease Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1/30/09)
Issues of maternal and child health, for which the Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) is CDC’s most visible leader, are recognized as being inextricably linked to the prevention and control of chronic disease. At the most basic level, the link is forged during pregnancy and the postpartum period, when health care providers have the opportunity to screen and treat mothers for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and to counsel mothers on associated risk factors, such as poor nutrition and smoking. However, links between DRH and chronic disease prevention extend well beyond these obvious connections. On the one hand, the work of DRH brings heightened awareness to the importance of early intervention and its implications for lifelong health. On the other hand, expertise from diverse fields, such as tobacco control, nutrition, and diabetes, is needed to adequately address the issues of maternal, infant, and family health embraced by DRH.

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.

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2002

Trends in Wheat-Flour Fortification with Folic Acid and Iron - Worldwide, 2004 and 2007 (1/31/02)
This report indicates that the worldwide percentage of wheat-flour fortification increased from 18% in 2004 to 27% in 2007. The estimated number of persons with access to fortified wheat flour increased by approximately 540 million, and the annual number of newborns whose mothers had access to fortified wheat flour during pregnancy increased by approximately 14 million. Nonetheless, approximately two thirds of the world population lacks access to fortified wheat flour. Programs should continue to expand coverage of wheat-flour fortification as a strategy to increase folic acid and iron consumption.
PDF (p. 8)

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