Charting a Course for the Future of Women's and Perinatal Health

Book excerpt: This document presents concepts, findings, and recommendations from the Women's and Perinatal Health Policy Working Group. It consists of three main chapters. A new vision of women's health is unveiled in the first chapter. There is a discussion of the challenges and opportunities in the field of women's health, the scope of the initiative and its guiding principles, the evolution of the field, and the social context of perinatal health. The second chapter comprises findings in the literature on women's and perinatal health. Information on health care services and systems, public health roles, reproductive health and overall well-being, intended and unintended pregnancies, pregnancy care issues, chronic diseases, depression, abuse, nutritional status and needs, physical activity, the effects of drugs, alcohol, and smoking, and cross-cutting issues and implications is presented. Recommendations for the future of women's and perinatal health are stated in the final chapter. Topics include social policies, surveillance and quality assurance, service availability, coordination and organization, financing health programs and services, health communication and education services, and the development of workforce competency and capacity.