Healthy communities start with healthy families. Halton Public Health recently published a report on maternal and newborn health in Halton that takes a closer look at the strengths and challenges facing growing families today. These insights help shape the programs and supports that give Halton’s newest residents the healthiest possible start in life.
The Maternal and Newborn Health in Halton report (PDF file) provides a snapshot of the health and well-being of mothers and infants across Halton Region. It presents data on key maternal and newborn health indicators to inform the planning, delivery, and evaluation of programs, services, and policies that support the health and well-being of expectant and new mothers and their newborns.
Our top notes from the report
Pregnancy and fertility rates are changing
Pregnancy rates in Halton have declined, while our population is aging and the proportion of women of reproductive age is decreasing. About 5,200 births occur in Halton each year!
Women are having children later
The average age of first-time mothers has increased, and more than 1/3 of births are to mothers aged 35 or older. In 2023, the average age of first-time mothers was 32, up from 28 years old in 1993.
Most newborns have healthy outcomes
Most babies in Halton are born full-term and at a healthy birthweight, although pre-term and small-for-gestational-age births have increased over time.
More women have experienced mental health concerns during pregnancy – particularly anxiety
Although most women report healthy behaviours during pregnancy, weight management, gestational diabetes, and mental health remain important areas for support.
This data can support action
It helps our partners better understand our community’s needs and inform the services they offer to strengthen prevention and early support and improve health equity and access to care.
What we’re doing to support families in Halton
We offer a range of programs and services to support families and promote healthy pregnancies, births, and early childhood development. These include:
- SmartParent, a prenatal and parenting text-messaging program; online prenatal education and support
- the Halton Breastfeeding Connection, which provides telephone support for expectant and breastfeeding parents
- Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC), a home-visiting program for parents to be and families with young children who may need of extra support
- a variety of parenting support groups and neighbourhood-based groups to help build connections with other families & connect with Public Health
For more information, read the full Maternal and Newborn Health in Halton report (PDF file).