In September 2025, WHO published its first-ever global definition and conceptual framework for maternal wellbeing. Previously, the unique experiences of women during the maternal period had never been specifically addressed.

The global definition proposed by WHO is as follows: Maternal wellbeing is a positive state experienced between conception until 1 year after pregnancy across six domains, and also influenced by the world she lives in. During this dynamic and adaptive period of transition, the woman–child pair have the support, confidence, and resources to thrive and realize their full potential and rights.

The Six Domains of Maternal Wellbeing

WHO’s new framework identifies six interconnected domains that together shape maternal wellbeing:

  1. Health and nutrition: This domain covers the physical and mental health status of the mother, including physical recovery, access to adequate nutrition, and the management of both chronic and pregnancy-related health conditions. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive support for a woman’s physical body during and after the maternal transition.
  2. Provision and experience of care: This goes beyond just having access to clinical services (provision). It critically emphasizes the woman’s subjective experience of that care. This includes receiving respectful, person-centered, and individualized care, with an emphasis on dignity, clear communication, and timely, appropriate psychosocial and emotional support from practitioners.
  3. Security, safety, and sustainable environment: This domain addresses the fundamental structural and environmental determinants of wellbeing. It encompasses physical safety (freedom from violence and harm), the safety of the medical setting, and living in a stable, supportive, and sustainable environment that is conducive to good health.
  4. Relationships and connectedness: Maternal wellbeing is heavily influenced by a woman’s social context. This domain covers the quality and availability of her social support network, including her relationship with her partner, family, and community. It recognizes the importance of love, trust, and meaningful social interactions.
  5. Maternal autonomy, agency, and resilience: This domain is centered on the woman as an active participant in her life and health. Autonomy refers to her right to make decisions about her body and care. Agency is her sense of control and ability to act on those decisions. Resilience is her psychological capacity to cope with adversity and adapt to the major life changes associated with motherhood.
  6. Culture and values: Recognizing that wellbeing is not universal, this domain ensures the framework includes different contexts. It emphasizes that care and support must be aligned with the woman’s personal culture, traditions, spiritual beliefs, and values, acknowledging that these elements provide meaning and purpose in her life.

The WHO process intentionally included women’s voices, civil society, clinicians, and researchers worldwide, recognizing that maternal wellbeing is influenced by the world a woman lives in, her environment, relationships, and rights.

With the framework finalized, WHO plans to develop measurement tools and intervention packages to help countries apply the concept of maternal wellbeing in health systems, programs, and policy.