Category Page: Maternal and Infant Health
Maternal health is defined as the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postpartum period (PHAC, 2013). Maternal and infant health begins prior to conception, and includes early pregnancy, before women know they are pregnant (Best Start Resource Centre, 2012). It continues with appropriate prenatal care and preventing problems if they arise (CDC, 2013). The ideal result is a full-term pregnancy without unnecessary interventions, the delivery of a healthy baby, and a healthy postpartum period in a positive environment that supports the physical and emotional needs of the mother, baby, and family (CDC, 2013). Pregnancy and childbirth have a huge impact on the physical, mental, emotional, and socioeconomic health of women and their families (CDC, 2013).
Infant health refers to children aged 0 to 2 years of age (PHAC, 2013). A healthy pregnancy and birth, followed by a child’s healthy growth and development during the first years of life, will have long-lasting benefits (Health Canada, 2012).
Maternal and Infant Health Subcategories: