Pregnancy and births: introduction

Reproductive health is important at a number of levels. Clearly a thriving population requires people to reproduce successfully, and having a baby impacts in a major way on an individual's life.

Over the last few generations, the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth in Scotland have reduced markedly. Maternal death is now exceptionally rare. In addition, stillbirth, neonatal and later infant losses have fallen to such a low level that it is unlikely there will be significant further improvement.

However, recent improvements should not induce complacency. We now understand that the health of a fetus in the womb before birth has a strong impact on his or her future health as a child, and this impact continues throughout adulthood. For instance, there seems to be a clear relationship between low birthweight and the risk of developing heart disease as an adult. There are suspicions that the stillbirth rate is beginning to rise, and the consequences of maternal smoking, alcohol and drug use on the health of the fetus are deeply concerning.

Please note that:

• This Pregnancy and births section of the website covers population fertility, pregnancy (in general, but not teenage pregnancy specifically), maternal and birth outcomes and breastfeeding (i.e. the stages from pregnancy through to the newborn child).
• The life stages from infancy through to adolescence will be covered in the forthcoming Children and adolescents section.
• The Sexual health section covers abortion and teenage pregnancy.