The period epidemic of CVD mortality in Australia 1935-2005, consistent with international reports, supports the concurrent effects of changes in risk factors in adults on CVD mortality, and does not support effects of differential exposures by birth cohort, as would occur with changes in perinatal influences such as birth weight. Prevention of CVD mortality should focus on lowering risk factors in adults.

Modest improvements can increase the provision and utilization of emergency obstetric care. Collaboration with NGOs, government and the community can be beneficial.

Existing recordkeeping systems can be modified to collect data necessary to monitor maternal mortality interventions. Staff training and monitoring visits are important to success.

No abstract