China' s unwavering determination in protecting pregnancy and perinatal health

Chronicle of maternal health career in China and Zhejiang Province

Before the advent of modern medicine, childbirth carried extremely high risks of mortality, both maternal and perinatal (the period beginning at the 20-28^th week of gestation and ending at 1-4 weeks after delivery). Fortunately, with advances in prenatal healthcare, the prevalence of maternal and perinatal mortalities has significantly reduced. A press conference held on May 30, 2022, by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, reviewed the major progress and achievements in Chinese maternal and child health over the past decade. It highlighted that the maternal mortality rate dropped to 161 per million in 2021, the lowest level in recorded history. However, gestational hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal infection, and other complications related to pregnancy continue to endanger pregnant women. Hence, there is a need to implement pragmatic measures to ensure the prolonged health of women during and after pregnancy.