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Mayor Bowser's Maternal & Infant Health Initiative

Mayor Bowser's Maternal & Infant Health Initiative
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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Maternal Health In DC

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What is DC doing to promote maternal health in the district?

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.

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What are the primary indicators of maternal and infant health?

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.
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What are DC’s goals when it comes to maternal health?

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.
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How can I get involved?

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.

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What can I expect at the summit?

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.

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I’m pregnant, what should I do next?

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.

Definitions

Neonatal

a newborn, especially during the first month after birth

Perinatal

the period of time around birth

Prenatal

the time period between conception and birth

Maternal Health

the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period which is the first six weeks after birth

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This project was supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0045, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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