Division of Reproductive Health

About Us Safe motherhood begins before conception with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle and continues with appropriate prenatal care and the prevention and treatment of complications when possible. The ideal result is a full-term pregnancy without unnecessary interventions, the delivery of a healthy infant, and a healthy postpartum period in a positive environment that supports the physical and emotional needs of the woman, infant, and family. CDC provides technical assistance, consultation, and training worldwide to help others identify and address male and female reproductive issues, maternal health, and infant health issues. To better understand the burden of maternal complications and mortality and to decrease disparities among populations at risk of death and complications from pregnancy, CDC supports national and state-based surveillance systems to monitor trends and investigate health issues. CDC also conducts epidemiologic, behavioral, demographic, and health services research, and works with partners to translate research findings into health care practice, public health policy, and health promotion strategies.