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The CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form serves as a crucial document in the realm of public health and vital statistics. It captures essential information about newborns, including their name, date of birth, place of birth, and the details of the parents. This form plays a significant role in establishing identity and citizenship, as well as in tracking demographic trends and health outcomes across the nation. Each section of the form is designed to ensure accuracy and completeness, thereby facilitating the collection of vital data that informs health policies and programs. Additionally, the form includes specific instructions for completion, emphasizing the importance of providing truthful and precise information. By standardizing the way birth information is recorded, the CDC aims to promote consistency and reliability in birth data, which is vital for research and public health initiatives. Understanding this form is essential for new parents, healthcare providers, and anyone involved in the registration process, as it lays the foundation for a child's legal identity and access to various rights and services.

Steps to Using CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth

Completing the CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form is an important step in registering a new birth. This document captures essential information about the newborn and their parents. Once filled out, it needs to be submitted to the appropriate local or state vital records office for processing.

  1. Gather necessary information. Before you begin filling out the form, collect details such as the baby's full name, date and time of birth, place of birth, and parents' names and addresses.
  2. Start with the baby's information. Fill in the first section with the baby's name, sex, date of birth, and time of birth. Be sure to double-check the spelling of the name.
  3. Provide the place of birth. Enter the hospital name or the address where the baby was born. If the birth occurred at home, include the home address.
  4. Fill in the parents' information. Complete the sections for both parents, including their names, addresses, and dates of birth. If applicable, include the parents' social security numbers.
  5. Include the mother's information. Indicate the mother's maiden name and her place of birth, which may be different from the place of the baby's birth.
  6. Complete the certification section. The attending physician, midwife, or other authorized person must sign and date the form to certify the birth.
  7. Review the form. Carefully check all entries for accuracy. Ensure that all required fields are filled out completely.
  8. Submit the form. Once everything is filled out and reviewed, submit the completed form to your local or state vital records office. Be aware of any fees that may be required for processing.

Key takeaways

Filling out the CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form is an important step in documenting the birth of a child. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  1. Accurate Information is Essential: Ensure that all details, such as the baby's name, date of birth, and parents' information, are filled out accurately. Mistakes can lead to complications later on, especially when obtaining a birth certificate.
  2. Timeliness Matters: It is crucial to complete the form promptly after the birth. Most states require the form to be submitted within a specific timeframe to ensure that the birth is officially recorded.
  3. Understand the Requirements: Each state may have different requirements for completing the form. Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific rules to avoid any issues during the submission process.
  4. Provide Supporting Documents: Some states may require additional documents, such as proof of identity or residency. Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation to support the information on the form.
  5. Keep Copies for Your Records: After submitting the form, it’s wise to keep copies of everything for your personal records. This can be helpful for future reference or in case any issues arise.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that the birth of your child is properly documented and recognized.

Misconceptions

Understanding the CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form is crucial for many individuals. However, several misconceptions exist regarding this important document. Here are ten common misunderstandings:

  1. It is the same as a birth certificate.

    The Certificate of Live Birth is a preliminary document that is used to create a legal birth certificate. It is not the final document issued by the state.

  2. It can be filled out by anyone.

    Only specific individuals, usually parents or legal guardians, should complete the form to ensure accuracy and legality.

  3. It is only needed for citizenship purposes.

    This form is also important for obtaining social security numbers, enrolling in school, and other legal matters.

  4. All states use the same form.

    While there is a standard format, each state may have variations or additional requirements.

  5. It must be submitted immediately after birth.

    There is typically a window of time allowed for submission, but it is best to complete it as soon as possible.

  6. Corrections cannot be made once submitted.

    Corrections can be made, but the process may require additional documentation and may vary by state.

  7. It is not necessary for home births.

    Home births still require the completion of this form to document the birth legally.

  8. Only hospitals provide this form.

    While hospitals often assist in completing it, the form can also be obtained from local health departments or online resources.

  9. It is only required for newborns.

    The form is necessary for any live birth, regardless of the child's age at the time of documentation.

  10. It is a federal document.

    The Certificate of Live Birth is a state document, even though it follows federal guidelines.

Clarifying these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the process of obtaining and understanding the Certificate of Live Birth more effectively.

Preview - CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth Form

U.S. STANDARD CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH

LOCAL FILE NO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIRTH NUMBER:

C H I L D

1. CHILD’S NAME (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

 

 

2. TIME OF BIRTH

3. SEX

 

4. DATE OF BIRTH (Mo/Day/Yr)

 

 

 

(24 hr)

 

 

 

 

 

5. FACILITY NAME (If not institution, give street and number)

6. CITY, TOWN, OR LOCATION OF BIRTH

 

7. COUNTY OF BIRTH

 

 

 

8b. DATE OF BIRTH (Mo/Day/Yr)

 

 

 

M O T H E R

8a. MOTHER’S CURRENT LEGAL NAME (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8c. MOTHER’S NAME PRIOR TO FIRST MARRIAGE (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

8d. BIRTHPLACE (State, Territory, or Foreign Country)

 

9a. RESIDENCE OF MOTHER-STATE

 

9b. COUNTY

 

 

 

 

 

9c. CITY, TOWN, OR LOCATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9d. STREET AND NUMBER

 

 

 

 

9e. APT.

NO.

 

9f. ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

9g. INSIDE CITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIMITS?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F A T H E R

10a. FATHER’S CURRENT LEGAL NAME (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

10b. DATE OF BIRTH (Mo/Day/Yr)

 

10c. BIRTHPLACE (State, Territory, or Foreign Country)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERTIFIER

11. CERTIFIER’S NAME: _______________________________________________

 

12. DATE CERTIFIED

 

 

 

13. DATE FILED BY REGISTRAR

 

TITLE: MD DO HOSPITAL ADMIN. CNM/CM OTHER MIDWIFE

 

 

 

______/ ______ / __________

 

______/ ______ / __________

 

OTHER (Specify)_____________________________

 

 

 

MM

DD

YYYY

 

 

MM DD

 

YYYY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE

USE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M O T H E R

14. MOTHER’S MAILING ADDRESS:

9 Same as residence, or: State:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City, Town, or Location:

 

 

 

 

Street & Number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apartment No.:

 

 

Zip Code:

 

15. MOTHER MARRIED? (At birth, conception, or any time between)

Yes

No

16. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUESTED

17. FACILITY ID. (NPI)

 

IF NO, HAS PATERNITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BEEN SIGNED IN THE HOSPITAL? Yes

No

 

FOR CHILD?

Yes

No

 

 

 

18. MOTHER’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

 

 

19. FATHER’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH PURPOSES ONLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M O T H E R

F A T H E R

Mother’s Name ________________

Mother’s Medical Record No. _________________________

20. MOTHER’S EDUCATION (Check the

21. MOTHER OF HISPANIC ORIGIN? (Check

 

box that best describes the highest

 

the box that best describes whether the

 

degree or level of school completed at

 

mother is Spanish/Hispanic/Latina. Check the

 

the time of delivery)

 

“No” box if mother is not Spanish/Hispanic/Latina)

8th grade or less

No, not Spanish/Hispanic/Latina

Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicana

9th - 12th grade, no diploma

Yes, Puerto Rican

High school graduate or GED

 

 

completed

Yes, Cuban

Some college credit but no degree

Yes, other Spanish/Hispanic/Latina

Associate degree (e.g., AA, AS)

 

(Specify)_____________________________

 

 

 

Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA, AB, BS)

Master’s degree (e.g., MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW, MBA)

Doctorate (e.g., PhD, EdD) or Professional degree (e.g., MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

23. FATHER’S EDUCATION (Check the

24. FATHER OF HISPANIC ORIGIN? (Check

 

box that best describes the highest

 

the box that best describes whether the

 

degree or level of school completed at

 

father is Spanish/Hispanic/Latino. Check the

 

the time of delivery)

 

“No” box if father is not Spanish/Hispanic/Latino)

8th grade or less

No, not Spanish/Hispanic/Latino

Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano

9th - 12th grade, no diploma

Yes, Puerto Rican

High school graduate or GED

 

 

completed

Yes, Cuban

Some college credit but no degree

Yes, other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino

Associate degree (e.g., AA, AS)

 

(Specify)_____________________________

 

 

 

Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA, AB, BS)

Master’s degree (e.g., MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW, MBA)

Doctorate (e.g., PhD, EdD) or Professional degree (e.g., MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

22.MOTHER’S RACE (Check one or more races to indicate what the mother considers herself to be)

White

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska Native

(Name of the enrolled or principal tribe)________________

Asian Indian

Chinese

Filipino

Japanese

Korean

Vietnamese

Other Asian (Specify)______________________________

Native Hawaiian

Guamanian or Chamorro

Samoan

Other Pacific Islander (Specify)______________________

Other (Specify)___________________________________

25.FATHER’S RACE (Check one or more races to indicate what the father considers himself to be)

White

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska Native

(Name of the enrolled or principal tribe)________________

Asian Indian

Chinese

Filipino

Japanese

Korean

Vietnamese

Other Asian (Specify)______________________________

Native Hawaiian

Guamanian or Chamorro

Samoan

Other Pacific Islander (Specify)______________________

Other (Specify)___________________________________

26. PLACE WHERE BIRTH OCCURRED (Check one)

27. ATTENDANT’S NAME, TITLE, AND NPI

28. MOTHER TRANSFERRED FOR MATERNAL

Hospital

NAME: _______________________ NPI:_______

MEDICAL OR FETAL INDICATIONS FOR

Freestanding birthing center

DELIVERY? Yes No

 

IF YES, ENTER NAME OF FACILITY MOTHER

Home Birth: Planned to deliver at home? 9 Yes 9 No

TITLE: MD DO CNM/CM OTHER MIDWIFE

TRANSFERRED FROM:

Clinic/Doctor’s office

OTHER (Specify)___________________

_______________________________________

Other (Specify)_______________________

 

REV. 11/2003

 

MOTHER

29a. DATE OF FIRST PRENATAL CARE VISIT

 

29b. DATE OF LAST PRENATAL CARE VISIT

30. TOTAL NUMBER OF PRENATAL VISITS FOR THIS PREGNANCY

 

______ /________/ __________ No Prenatal Care

 

 

______ /________/ __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M M

D D

 

 

 

YYYY

 

 

 

M M

D D

YYYY

 

 

_________________________ (If none, enter A0".)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31. MOTHER’S HEIGHT

32. MOTHER’S

PREPREGNANCY WEIGHT

33. MOTHER’S WEIGHT

AT DELIVERY

34. DID MOTHER GET WIC FOOD FOR HERSELF

 

 

_______ (feet/inches)

_________ (pounds)

 

 

_________ (pounds)

 

 

DURING THIS PREGNANCY? Yes No

 

 

35. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS

36. NUMBER OF OTHER

37. CIGARETTE SMOKING BEFORE AND DURING PREGNANCY

 

38. PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF

 

 

LIVE BIRTHS (Do not include

PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

For each time period, enter either the number of cigarettes or the

 

PAYMENT FOR THIS

 

 

this child)

 

 

 

 

(spontaneous or induced

number of packs of cigarettes smoked. IF NONE, ENTER A0".

 

DELIVERY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

losses or ectopic pregnancies)

Average number of cigarettes or packs of cigarettes smoked per day.

Private Insurance

 

 

35a.

Now Living

 

35b. Now Dead

36a. Other Outcomes

 

 

 

Number _____

 

 

Number _____

Number _____

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of cigarettes

# of packs

Medicaid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Before Pregnancy

_________

 

OR

________

Self-pay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Three Months of Pregnancy

_________

 

OR

________

Other

 

 

None

 

 

 

None

None

 

 

 

Second Three Months of Pregnancy _________

OR

________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Specify) _______________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Trimester of Pregnancy

_________

OR

________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35c. DATE OF LAST LIVE BIRTH

36b. DATE OF LAST OTHER

39. DATE LAST NORMAL MENSES BEGAN

 

40. MOTHER’S MEDICAL RECORD NUMBER

 

 

 

_______/________

PREGNANCY OUTCOME

______ /________/ __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MM

Y Y Y Y

_______/________

M M

D D

YYYY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MM

Y Y Y Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDICAL

41. RISK FACTORS IN THIS PREGNANCY

 

43. OBSTETRIC PROCEDURES (Check all that apply)

46. METHOD OF DELIVERY

 

 

 

(Check all that apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND

Diabetes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cervical cerclage

 

 

 

 

 

 

A. Was delivery with forceps attempted but

 

HEALTH

 

Prepregnancy

(Diagnosis prior to this pregnancy)

 

Tocolysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unsuccessful?

 

 

 

Gestational

 

(Diagnosis in this pregnancy)

 

 

External cephalic version:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

No

 

INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Was delivery with vacuum extraction attempted

 

Hypertension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepregnancy

(Chronic)

 

 

 

Failed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

but unsuccessful?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gestational

(PIH, preeclampsia)

 

 

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

Eclampsia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Fetal presentation at birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous preterm birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cephalic

 

 

 

 

 

44. ONSET OF LABOR (Check all that apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other previous poor pregnancy outcome (Includes

 

Premature Rupture of the Membranes (prolonged, ∃12 hrs.)

Other

 

 

 

 

perinatal death, small-for-gestational age/intrauterine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D. Final route and method of delivery (Check one)

 

 

growth restricted birth)

 

 

Precipitous Labor (<3 hrs.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaginal/Spontaneous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy resulted from infertility treatment-If yes,

 

Prolonged Labor (∃ 20 hrs.)

 

 

 

 

Vaginal/Forceps

 

 

check all that apply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaginal/Vacuum

 

 

Fertility-enhancing drugs, Artificial insemination or

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cesarean

 

 

 

 

 

Intrauterine insemination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If cesarean, was a trial of labor attempted?

 

 

Assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

45. CHARACTERISTICS OF LABOR AND DELIVERY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Check all that

apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

transfer

(GIFT))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Induction of labor

 

 

 

 

 

 

47. MATERNAL MORBIDITY (Check all that apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother had a previous cesarean delivery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Complications associated with labor and

 

 

 

Augmentation of labor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If yes, how many __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

delivery)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-vertex presentation

 

 

 

 

 

Maternal transfusion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the above

 

 

Steroids (glucocorticoids) for fetal lung maturation

 

 

Third or fourth degree perineal laceration

 

 

42. INFECTIONS PRESENT AND/OR TREATED

 

 

received by the mother prior to delivery

 

 

 

 

Ruptured uterus

 

 

DURING THIS

PREGNANCY (Check all that apply)

Antibiotics received by the mother during labor

 

 

Unplanned hysterectomy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical chorioamnionitis diagnosed during labor or

Admission to intensive care unit

 

 

Gonorrhea

 

 

 

 

 

maternal temperature >38°C (100.4°F)

 

 

Unplanned operating room procedure

 

 

Syphilis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moderate/heavy meconium staining of the amniotic fluid

 

following delivery

 

 

Chlamydia

 

 

 

 

Fetal intolerance of labor such that one or more of the

None of the above

 

 

Hepatitis B

 

 

 

 

 

following actions was taken: in-utero resuscitative

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hepatitis C

 

 

 

 

 

measures, further fetal assessment, or operative delivery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epidural or spinal anesthesia during labor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWBORN

Mother’s Name ________________

Mother’s Medical Record No. ____________________

NEWBORN INFORMATION

48. NEWBORN MEDICAL RECORD NUMBER

54. ABNORMAL CONDITIONS OF THE NEWBORN

55. CONGENITAL ANOMALIES OF THE NEWBORN

 

 

 

(Check all that apply)

 

(Check all that apply)

49. BIRTHWEIGHT (grams preferred, specify unit)

Assisted ventilation required immediately

Anencephaly

 

 

Meningomyelocele/Spina bifida

______________________

 

following delivery

Cyanotic congenital heart disease

9 grams 9 lb/oz

 

 

 

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

 

Assisted ventilation required for more than

 

Omphalocele

 

 

 

six hours

 

50. OBSTETRIC ESTIMATE OF GESTATION:

 

Gastroschisis

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________ (completed weeks)

NICU admission

Limb reduction defect (excluding congenital

 

 

 

 

 

 

amputation and dwarfing syndromes)

 

Newborn given surfactant replacement

Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate

 

Cleft Palate alone

 

 

 

therapy

 

51. APGAR SCORE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Down Syndrome

 

Score at 5 minutes:________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Antibiotics received by the newborn for

 

Karyotype confirmed

If 5 minute score is less than 6,

 

Score at 10 minutes: _______________________

 

suspected neonatal sepsis

Karyotype pending

Seizure or serious neurologic dysfunction

Suspected chromosomal disorder

 

 

Karyotype confirmed

52. PLURALITY - Single, Twin, Triplet, etc.

Significant birth injury (skeletal fracture(s), peripheral

Karyotype pending

 

Hypospadias

 

(Specify)________________________

 

nerve

injury, and/or soft tissue/solid organ hemorrhage

 

 

None of the anomalies listed above

 

which

requires intervention)

53. IF NOT SINGLE BIRTH - Born First, Second,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third, etc. (Specify) ________________

9 None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56. WAS INFANT TRANSFERRED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DELIVERY? 9 Yes 9 No

57. IS INFANT LIVING AT TIME OF REPORT?

58. IS THE INFANT BEING

IF YES, NAME OF FACILITY INFANT TRANSFERRED

 

 

Yes No Infant transferred, status unknown

BREASTFED AT DISCHARGE?

TO:______________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Yes No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. 11/2003

NOTE: This recommended standard birth certificate is the result of an extensive evaluation process. Information on the process and resulting recommendations as well as plans for future

activities is available on the Internet at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/vital_certs_rev.htm.

Document Specs

Fact Name Description
Purpose The CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form is used to record the birth of a child and is essential for obtaining a birth certificate.
Standardization This form is standardized across the United States, ensuring consistency in birth data collection and reporting.
State Variations While the form is standardized, individual states may have specific requirements or additional forms based on state laws.
Governing Laws Each state has its own laws governing the issuance of birth certificates, typically found in public health or vital statistics statutes.
Required Information The form requires essential information such as the child's name, date of birth, and parents' details.
Submission The completed form must be submitted to the appropriate state vital records office to officially register the birth.