Why maternal and infant outcomes matter
Maternal and infant health are closely linked. Foetal development during pregnancy depends on a healthy pregnancy environment, which is influenced by a mother's physical health, wellbeing, and the stresses she experiences in her environment. When women are physically and emotionally well before, during and after pregnancy, they are better able to care for their infants, supporting healthy growth and development. Early life health has a lasting impact on wellbeing across the life course, and adverse experiences or ill health experienced by either parent around pregnancy can have long-term consequences for both mother and child. Socio-demographic factors, ethnicity, clinical and social risk, lifestyle, and access to good-quality care can create inequitable differences in outcomes that persist throughout life. Improving maternal health is therefore essential to improving outcomes for both mothers and babies, reducing infant deaths, and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
Globally, maternal health outcomes are closely linked to gender equality and female empowerment, which reflect the wider social and economic determinants of health within a community. Maternal health therefore affects much more than pregnancy alone. It influences a woman's role and opportunities in society, the health and education of her children, and the financial stability of her household. Good maternal health benefits not only families but also communities, supporting better child development, improved population health, increased productivity, and reduced pressure on health and care services.
From a population health perspective, pregnancy and the period soon after birth offer a valuable opportunity to support women, including those who may not routinely access health services. This enables trusted relationships to be established and positive changes to be supported, such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol use, improving diet, and addressing wider challenges such as housing, finances, or social circumstances. These early interactions can encourage women to remain engaged with health services and make informed choices about important health interventions, including childhood vaccinations. By focusing on prevention and support throughout maternity care, every contact with women can help improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
