This Maternal Health Campaign Empowers Pregnant Women and New Moms

The United States is facing a maternal health crisis: Approximately 700 women die during pregnancy, at delivery, or soon after delivery each year. More than 60 percent of those pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching Hear Her, a national campaign to address maternal mortality issues. Supported through a partnership with the CDC Foundation and funded by Merck for Mothers, the program will provide education for health care providers, new and expecting mothers, and the friends and family that make up their support systems.

id you know some problems due to pregnancy can happen up to a year after delivery? Be aware of urgent maternal warning signs and symptoms during pregnancy and in the year after delivery. Seek medical care immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms that are listed below. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening situation.

The following list was developed by the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care. Learn about these urgent maternal warning signs below.

• Headaches that won’t go away or gets worse over time
• Dizziness or fainting
• Changes in your vision
• Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
• Extreme swelling of your hands or face
• Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or fast-beating heart
• Severe nausea and throwing up
• Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
• Baby’s movement stopping or slowing during pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
• Severe swelling, redness or pain of your leg or arm
• Overwhelming tiredness. 

This list is not meant to cover every symptom you might have. If you feel like something just isn’t right, or you aren’t sure if it’s serious, talk to your healthcare provider. Be sure to tell them if you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year.