Data collected through PNSS includes maternal socio-demographics as well as maternal health indicators like pre-pregnancy weight status, maternal weight gain, anemia, parity, inter-pregnancy interval, diabetes and hypertension in pregnancy. Data are also collected on maternal behaviors including smoking and drinking during pregnancy, medical care, WIC enrollment, multivitamin consumption, and breast feeding initiation. Information gathered from PNSS is used to set priorities, plan, implement, and monitor and evaluate public health programs.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention collaborates with participating states, tribal organizations and territories that contribute data in this surveillance program to generate annual PNSS report for each participating contributor and the nation.