Frequently Asked Questions

Mayor Muriel Bowser wants every community in the district to understand the health risks women face so that we can improve the lives of our friends, family, neighbors, and fellow community members.

Multiple factors that begin before pregnancy and continue during pregnancy can affect maternal and infant health. Some of the strongest indicators are:

• Pre-natal care
• Embrace prenatal power. Women who receive prenatal care during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to healthy newborns.
• Pre-pregnancy maternal weight
• Preconception matters. Mothers who maintain a healthy weight pre-pregnancy are more likely to avoid preterm births, low birthweight and infant mortality.
• Chronic conditions
• Preconception preparedness pays. Managing pre-pregnancy chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension can reduce the chances of pregnancy complications.

Through promoting awareness, education, and engagement, we set out to:

• Improve maternal health practices and the health status of women in the district.
• Educate DC residents about the importance of seeking care before, during, and after pregnancy.
• Empower women to control their own health and be advocates for themselves.
• Encourage community members to improve maternal health.

Join us at the Maternal & Infant Health Summit on September 15th, 2020 or chime in on social media with #DCMaternalHealth. Follow @MomHealthDC on Twitter and Facebook.

Building on the growing public awareness and interest in maternal and infant health, Mayor Muriel Bowser is bringing together elected officials, health officials, and DC residents to explore strategies to improve perinatal health and address racial disparities in birth outcomes. The event will feature panel discussions and a luncheon focused on successes from around the country that could serve as models.

Consult our Resources page for more information about DC-area services and programs for before, during, and after pregnancy for more information about DC-area services and programs for before, during, and after pregnancy.