Learn how NIH is accelerating research to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality.
Maternal morbidity describes any short- or long-term health problems that result from being pregnant and giving birth. Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman from complications of pregnancy or childbirth that occur during the pregnancy or within 6 weeks after the pregnancy ends.
NICHD is one of many federal agencies working to improve maternal health and pregnancy outcomes, with the goal of preventing and treating pregnancy-related complications to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Our efforts aim to improve understanding, early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pregnancy and birth complications, as well as improve the data collected on maternal deaths and track general trends to inform research strategies.
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