Congratulations!
Pregnancy can be the most memorable and frightening experience. It puts out front many hopes and dreams for ourselves and our families. Prematurity Prevention Initiative is here to support those hopes and dreams with worthwhile information, programs and services. We send our sincere best wishes and hope to become your partner in a healthy birth.
Signs or Symptoms Of Preterm Labor
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Change in your vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or bloody) or more vaginal discharge than usual
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Pressure in your pelvis or lower belly, like your baby is pushing down
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Constant low, dull backache
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Belly cramps with or without diarrhea
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Regular or frequent contractions that make your belly tighten like a fist. The contractions may or may not be painful.
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Your water breaks **
It is important to have an open dialogue with your provider, giving them a detailed history of all previous pregnancies to determine the best course of treatment for any current or future pregnancies.
Personalize Your Birth Plan
A birth plan is all about you. It details your preferences for labor and delivery and what you think will make the experience more comfortable—for you.
Must Include:
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Who is your support person(s)
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If you are considering interventions
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Your comfort level with IVs/, fluid intake
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If you want an epidural
Making it Work:
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Schedule out blocks of time in your birth plan
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Everything may not go as planned. Still, it is important to list your preferences
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Discuss your plan with your support person(s)
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Share your plan with your provider (Consider writing a letter)
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When everyone understands your wishes, they can better advocate for you and your baby
Remember:
If Something Feels Wrong, Speak Up
Lean on Family and Friends
Find local groups for African American/ Black Mothers/ Parents
Do Not Avoid Postpartum Checkups
Signs or Symptoms Of Preterm Labor
-
Change in your vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or bloody) or more vaginal discharge than usual
-
Pressure in your pelvis or lower belly, like your baby is pushing down
-
Constant low, dull backache
-
Belly cramps with or without diarrhea
-
Regular or frequent contractions that make your belly tighten like a fist. The contractions may or may not be painful.
-
Your water breaks **
It is important to have an open dialogue with your provider, giving them a detailed history of all previous pregnancies to determine the best course of treatment for any current or future pregnancies.
Prenatal Schedule
One of the first things to do when pregnant is to schedule a visit with your OB/GYN. It will be the first of many visits—all of which are important to monitor the baby's development and your health.
Use our prenatal schedule to plan this journey and build a strong relationship with those who will assist you in delivering a healthy baby.
African American Birthing People
African American individuals have risk factors that impact their pregnancies in different ways. Knowing your risks and talking to your provider is critical to having a successful, healthy pregnancy. Please download the list of suggested questions to guide your next prenatal visit.
Managing Chronic Conditions During Pregnancy
Some health conditions can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. With early care and ongoing support, many people with these conditions go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and affects how your body processes sugar. Many people can manage it successfully with healthy eating, physical activity and regular blood sugar checks. Some may also need medication or insulin. Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range helps reduce risks for both you and your baby.
What You Can Do:
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Eat healthy meals and snacks as your provider recommends
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Be physically active, if your provider says it’s safe
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Check your blood sugar as instructed
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Take any medicine or insulin exactly as prescribed
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Attend all prenatal appointments
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure during pregnancy requires close monitoring because it can affect your health and your baby’s growth. Some blood pressure medications are safe to use during pregnancy, while others are not. Working closely with your provider helps ensure your blood pressure is managed safely.
What You Can Do:
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Take medications exactly as prescribed
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Go to all prenatal visits and check your blood pressure if recommended
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Tell your provider right away if you have headaches, vision changes or swelling
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can happen during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks. It includes high blood pressure and signs that the body is under stress. Symptoms can start quickly. Detecting it early helps keep you and your baby safe.
Warning Signs of Preeclampsia to Report Right Away:
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Severe or persistent headaches
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Vision changes (blurred vision, seeing spots)
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Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
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Upper abdominal pain or shortness of breath
Remember:
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Keep all prenatal appointments so your provider can monitor your blood pressure and health
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Take medications exactly as prescribed
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Share any new or concerning symptoms with your provider
Obesity
Having a higher body weight can increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, but many people with obesity have healthy pregnancies. During pregnancy, the goal is to stay healthy, not to lose weight. Small, realistic changes can help improve outcomes for both parent and baby.
What You Can Do:
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Eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water
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Move your body safely each day, if your provider says it’s okay
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Go to all prenatal visits and get recommended screenings
Oral Health
What to Know:
Taking care of your teeth and gums is important for you and your baby. Gum disease, cavities and infections can make pregnancy complications more likely, especially if you have chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Hormone changes during pregnancy can make gums more sensitive and prone to swelling or bleeding. Good oral health can also help keep chronic conditions easier to manage.
What You Can Do:
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Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
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Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
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Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings, and tell them you are pregnant
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Tell your provider about any tooth pain, swelling or bleeding gums
Download our Chronic Disease Fact Sheets to learn more about management of chronic conditions during pregnancy. Now available in English and Spanish.
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Pregnant? Not Feeling Right?
Click here to visit The Cooperative's website to learn more about maternal warning signs.
