Early prenatal care

Giving babies a healthy start.

In Solano County fewer than three out of four, 72 percent, pregnant women enter prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. The United States Department of Health and Human Services: Healthy People 2010 standard is that 90 percent of women enter first trimester prenatal care. Some neighboring counties, such as Alameda and Contra Costa, are already meeting the Healthy People 2010 goal that was set as a benchmark for improving the health of the entire community.   
    Early prenatal care, or prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy, allows doctors to identify and treat any health concerns early in the pregnancy before they become problems. For example, medications may need to be changed or adjusted during pregnancy for the health of both mother and baby. Prenatal care also provides an opportunity for education about pregnancy, healthy lifestyles and newborn care, along with linkage to supportive services and community resources.
    “When I found out I was having twins three months into my pregnancy, my prenatal care provider really helped by connecting me to resources to help me with the pregnancy, and with the twins after they were born,” says Arlette, 21, of Fairfield.
    Arlette also smoked and her prenatal care provider linked her to tobacco cessation classes specifically designed for pregnant women. “The classes helped me realize what smoking was doing to my lungs and to my babies. Talking with other pregnant women who were going through the same thing was really helpful.”
    In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends women see their doctor before they become pregnant. A preconception visit provides an opportunity to discuss chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or behaviors, such as smoking, that could interfere with a healthy pregnancy.
    The March of Dimes, a national organization dedicated to reducing prematurity and birth defects, advises women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to take 400mg of folic acid every day and not smoke or drink alcohol. In fact, all women of childbearing age are advised to follow these guidelines if they are trying to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant, or are not doing anything to prevent pregnancy. Almost half of all pregnancies in California are unplanned, and birth defects can occur even before pregnancy can be detected.
    For pregnant women who do not have health insurance, no cost and low cost health insurance programs are available. If you are unsure if you are pregnant, pregnancy tests are available at most doctor’s offices and community clinics, including Solano County Family Health Clinics and Planned Parenthood.
    BabyFirst Solano, a free program, connects women to pregnancy testing, health insurance and prenatal care. In addition, BabyFirst Solano provides other support services during pregnancy and after the baby is born. If you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, call your doctor for a check up. If you or someone you know needs prenatal care, health insurance or other services, call BabyFirst Solano at 1-877-680-BABY (2229).

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Megan Richards is a Health Education Specialist with Solano County Public Health, Health & Social Services, which is a member of the Solano Coalition for Better Health.

The Solano Coalition for Better Health is a countywide nonprofit organization comprised of health care providers, county health, educational and community organizations, and neighborhood advocates. Since its inception in 1988, the Coalition has developed successful programs that have improved the health of Solano County residents.

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