Perinatal Health Indicators 2013

This report, produced by the Agency's Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System (CPSS), presents surveillance information on key indicators of maternal, fetal and infant health in Canada (a total of 16 indicators) based on the most recent available data (vital statistics data up to 2009 and 2010, hospitalization data up to 2010/11, Canada Community Health Survey up to 2010, and the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and youth up to 2008).

The report includes the following main findings:

• The rate of maternal smoking during pregnancy has declined steadily between 1993-1996 and 2005-2008.
• The rate of breastfeeding remained stable between 2005 and 2009-2010, but the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, i.e., breastfeeding with no other liquid or solid food given to the infant, for at least six months (as per Health Canada and the Public Health Agency's current recommendations), increased during the same period.
• The rate of infant mortality remained stable and very low (five deaths per thousand live births) in the past decade.

The report is available in both official languages in PDF format on the Government of Canada Publications website. To obtain the report in an alternative/accessible format, please contact us by e-mail: CPSS-SCSP@phac-aspc.gc.ca.