Setting the Trajectory for a Healthier Pregnancy and Beyond

When a pregnant person has lived through ACEs like poor mental health, stress, or lack of support, the impact can ripple across each stage of their child’s development, but with support, connection, and early care, parents can change the path forward.

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Addressing ACEs During Reproductive Years

The reproductive years—before, during, and after pregnancy—provide a critical window to disrupt intergenerational cycles of trauma and promote long-term well-being. Supporting individuals during this time can improve maternal and infant health, strengthen family stability, and lay the foundation for healthier communities.

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Improving Lifelong Health

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events in childhood—like abuse, neglect, or household challenges. With awareness and support, we can take steps to recover and build resilience for ourselves and future generations. 

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Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos

Step into Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, an audio series where health meets real talk. Hosted by the California Surgeon General, these conversations tackle health issues that truly impact everyday life.

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Strong Start & Beyond

Strong Start & Beyond is a movement to reduce California’s maternal mortality rate by leveraging our state’s investments and partnerships.

The California Maternal Health Blueprint is the framework that outlines the strategies to improve reproductive and maternal health across the state.

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Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA)

PreMA is a simple, eight-question quiz designed to reduce preventable maternal deaths by identifying the need for potential medical care before a pregnancy begins. Learn more in the PreMA Issue Brief.

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Support New Mom's Mental Health

With 1 in 5 people in California experiencing depression during and after pregnancy, this resource aims to increase awareness and empower individuals to recognize the signs of depression and support the mental health of moms. 

Get more information, resources and support on our Maternal Health Resources page.

View the Resource Document in English and Spanish

Our Priorities

The Office of the California Surgeon General is advancing the health and well-being of all Californians by focusing on three key priorities—ACEs and toxic stress, maternal health, maternal mental health, and reproductive health.

Department of Health Care Services

ACEs, PCEs & Toxic Stress

Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress is vital to improving long-term health outcomes across the lifespan.

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Family of three. Father and child are touching the mother's pregnant belly.

Maternal Health

Maternal health is a critical component of overall health, ensuring the well-being of mothers before, during, and after childbirth.

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Positive childhood experiences: ability to talk with family about feelings, sense that family is supportive during difficult times, enjoyment of participation in community traditions, having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely cared, feeling support from friends, feeling of belonging in high school, feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home, and just one caring safe relationship early in life

Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is an essential part of well-being and a key priority for the Office of the California Surgeon General.

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Latest News and Updates

Strong Start & Beyond Newsletter

Jun 18, 2025 | ,

The Strong Start & Beyond newsletter provides information and resources on the movement’s latest efforts to reduce maternal mortality, educate and empower reproductive-age individuals, and save the lives of moms and pregnant people in California. Sign up! Sign up...