Every mother's health is every child's right.

Hear Their Stories, CDC

Igniting Change in the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis, Christine Ivery TEDxEvanston

Maternal and Child Health

Pregnancy-related deaths are a public health crisis in Cook County, Illinois and the U.S., especially for non-Hispanic Black women, who are three times more likely to die from complications during pregnancy than white women, largely due to discrimination, social, economic and structural factors.

According to the CDC, more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with early and regular healthcare before, during and after pregnancy. Be aware of urgent warning signs for when to seek immediate medical attention.

Every child has the right to a healthy start.

Everyone can help to prevent mothers and babies from having pregnancy-related complications or deaths. Our nurses developed this website to assist people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, their partners and their families, at every stage, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Click on the tiles below for information and resources.

Maternal and Child Health

Before pregnancy

Find out the first steps to prepare for starting a healthy family.

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During pregnancy

Educate yourself about what to expect.

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After pregnancy

Get tips to prepare yourself and your home for baby’s arrival.

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LGBTQIA+ & Pregnancy

Find inclusive resources to support diverse paths to pregnancy.

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Resources

Connect with trusted community partners offering education, guidance and support.

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Fact Sheets

Download information about prenatal vitamins, doctor visits, when to call the doctor and breastfeeding.

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Cook County Department of Public Health is working with local, state and national public health and healthcare partners to reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths by:

Raising awareness about the importance of maternal and child health, including prenatal and postnatal care.
Supporting and promoting access to high-quality, respectful and equitable healthcare services
Providing families with the knowledge and resources they need to be confident in the choices they make before, during and after pregnancy
Focusing on health equity to address the social and structural determinants of health that shape health outcomes.

Learn more: Watch the videos at the top of this page. To view maternal morbidity and mortality rates by race and ethnicity and the social and structural factors that contribute to pregnancy-related complications and deaths, visit: CDC , Cook County Health Atlas, IDPH 2024 Fetal and Infant Mortality Data Report and 2023 Illinois Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report .