Maternity health goals
Maternity Matters also highlights the role of maternity care in improving the following health outcomes:.jpg)
- Substantially reduce mortality rates by 2010 – including the element relating to suicide and undetermined injury
- Reduce infant mortality and increase life expectancy at birth by 2010
- Tackle the underlying determinants of ill health and inequalities by cutting adult smoking rates, obesity among children under 11 and reducing the under-18 conception rate by 50% by 2010
Monitoring its progress – Vital signs
All maternity services are monitored nationally through the consideration of Vital Signs. The key signs for maternity are:
- Percentage of women accessing maternity care by 12 completed weeks of pregnancy. Early access enables women to have a full range of screening tests and when necessary, specialist consultations. It encourages services to engage with the most vulnerable women to reduce the impact of socio-economic deprivation on pregnancy outcomes. View more information on Saving Mothers' Lives.
- Under-18 conception rate per 1,000 females aged 15–17 Preventing teenage pregnancies is important in reducing the number of babies born into poverty. The mothers are also likely to have reduced life choices as a result of giving birth early. View more information on Teenage Pregnancy.
- Percentage of infants breastfed at 6–8 weeks This is important in tackling childhood obesity and reducing health inequalities. The following booklets provide clear advice for new parents: Dad booklet, Get the facts and Myth booklet
To find out about some of the good practice going on in maternity care across the North West visit: Maternity Matters - Good Practice and FAQs.