In July, a commentary in the journal Pediatrics discussed several new studies that have increased our knowledge of the  association between tobacco smoke exposure and childhood morbidity and mortality.  Collectively, these new reports demonstrate that in several categories of chronic childhood illness (asthma, obesity, and mental health disorders) there are small-to-moderate independent associations with tobacco smoke exposure either during pregnancy or in the postnatal period.   A moderate association

The health of pregnant women can say a lot about a region. It can indicate the accessibility and affordability of health care, as well as how much recognition maternal health receives in the region. A healthy pregnancy results in healthier children and decreased risk for maternal death. Conversely, measuring maternal mortality rates can also indicate the level of health resources within a country