Maternal Health

The Maternal Health topic includes research on the health and well-being of individuals who are pregnant or have recently given birth, including the effects of pregnancy, pregnancy loss or termination, and childbirth. It includes research on pre-pregnancy care and pregnancy planning focused on maternal health.

The concept of maternal health encompasses preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the years after pregnancy, including the postpartum period 6 weeks to 12 months after the birth of a child.

Cardiovascular conditions are implicated in most maternal mortality, including hypertension, preeclampsia, and cardiomyopathy. Hypertension during pregnancy can also cause preterm birth and has been shown to increase a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.