5 Tips for Latino Moms-to-Be to Avoid Premature Birth

by

Share On Social!

baby1 in 9 American babies are born too soon.

Premature birth rates are especially high in U.S. Hispanics (11.3%) and African Americans (16.3%) than in Whites (10.2%), due to issues of stress, health care access, and more.

These babies and families struggle with extended NICU stays, ongoing costs and time away from work, and potentially lifelong disabilities.

That why the bilingual “Someday Starts Now” campaign is here.

The campaign, run in English and Spanish by the Texas Department of State Health Services and coinciding with Prematurity Awareness Month in November, promotes the idea that a healthy, full-term baby begins with healthy, well-informed parents who are active participants in their health care.

Here are five tips for women thinking about having a baby to ensure every pregnancy goes as close to 40 weeks as possible.

1. Establish a medical home. Growing families should find a health care provider they trust who can provide regular care before, during and between pregnancies. It’s especially important for women to schedule an appointment for prenatal care as soon as they know they’re pregnant.

2. Stop using tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Smoking can seriously affect a baby’s development. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe in pregnancy.

3. Exercise and eat right for a healthy weight. Not only does physical activity promote a healthy pregnancy, but exercising moms will relieve stress, have more energy and sleep better.

4. Avoid infections. Women should get a flu shot every year, and everyone around the baby should stay up-to-date on recommended immunizations, especially pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination. Regular hand-washing is important.

5. Take daily vitamins. For women of childbearing age, experts recommend a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid. Pregnant women should take a prenatal vitamin with 800 mcg of folic acid.

“About six out of 1,000 babies in Texas die before they turn one year old, and premature birth is a leading cause,” according to Texas’ campaign. “But by encouraging healthy habits, you can help reverse those statistics for the better and help every Texas baby have a healthy, happy first birthday.”

By The Numbers By The Numbers

25.1

percent

of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage

Share your thoughts