Becoming a mother is a journey filled with joy, anticipation, and many questions. It’s normal to wonder about your health and your baby’s development.
We’re here to offer friendly, compassionate answers to some of the most common concerns moms and moms-to-be might have.
Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions about maternal and infant health and how LAHC can provide opportunities for community connection and resources.
LAHC’s free Mom Care Connect program: how to get involved
LAHC’s free Mom Care Connect supports you through your journey as a mother or soon-to-be mom.
Mom Care Connect offers the opportunity to meet other moms in a friendly environment and feel part of a caring community.
The program provides helpful advice and information on caring for yourself and your child at every stage. We work with various community partners to ensure you have access to all the necessary resources.
Here’s how you can join our Mom Care Connect:
- Attend our meetings every other Friday at the Lennon Pregnancy Center at 24275 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.
- Call us at 313-846-8480 for more information or to sign up.
Q: What are common pregnancy complications? How can I reduce my risk of these complications?
Pregnancy is undoubtedly a joyous time, but it’s important to be aware of potential complications.
By understanding these issues, you can take proactive steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a happy, healthy baby.
Common pregnancy complications:
- High blood pressure (Preeclampsia): Can affect your organs and your baby’s growth
- Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy
- Preterm labor: Labor that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Miscarriage: Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks
- Anemia: Low levels of red blood cells, which cause fatigue
- Depression: Hormonal changes can lead to depression.
- Heart conditions: Increased cardiac output can exacerbate existing or new heart problems.
- Infections: Susceptible to infections such as urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections
How to reduce your risk:
- Keep up with your appointments to monitor your health.
- Eat well, stay active, and avoid harmful substances.
- Secure a support system of family and friends.
- Know the signs of complications, and don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if something feels off.
Q: How can I manage diabetes during pregnancy?
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage it for a healthy journey.
Types of diabetes:
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: Pre-existing conditions before pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy but usually goes away after birth
Managing diabetes:
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as advised.
- Work with your doctor or a nutritionist to create a meal plan that suits you.
- Gentle exercise can help manage blood sugar levels.
- If prescribed, take insulin or other medications as directed.
Q: What’s a healthy weight gain during pregnancy?
Gaining weight is a natural part of pregnancy, but how much is healthy?
Recommendations:
- Your doctor will guide you based on your pre-pregnancy weight.
- For those with a normal BMI, gaining about 25-35 pounds is healthy.
Steps to meet your goal:
- Focus on nutrient-rich foods that nourish you and your baby.
- Safe exercises like walking or prenatal yoga can be beneficial.
- Keep the conversation open with your healthcare provider.
Q: Why is avoiding substance use during pregnancy important?
Substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can have significant effects on your baby’s health.
Health effects:
- Opioids and Marijuana: Frequent use during pregnancy may lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
- Tobacco: Increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight
- Alcohol: Can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders affecting development
Finding support
- Talk to your doctor to connect you with resources to help you quit.
- Share experiences in substance abuse support groups with others who can encourage you.
Q: How can I recognize and address depression during and after pregnancy?
It’s normal to experience emotional ups and downs during and after pregnancy.
Many women face depression during these times, and recognizing the signs is the first step to getting the help you need.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Persistent sadness: Feeling down more often than not
- Loss of interest: Not enjoying activities you usually love
- Anxiety and irritability: Excessive worry or feeling on edge
Seeking help
- Share your feelings with a healthcare provider.
- Therapy can offer strategies to cope.
- Lean on friends, family, or support groups.
Q: What should I know about maternal mortality?
Maternal mortality refers to deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth.
By learning about the causes and prevention of these pregnancy-related deaths, you can better advocate for your health and safety.
Causes of pregnancy-related death:
- Severe bleeding
- Infections
- High blood pressure
- Complications during pregnancy
Protecting yourself
- Always ask your healthcare provider detailed questions about your health during pregnancy.
- Adhere to any treatment plans and ensure you attend all healthcare appointments.
- Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If something doesn’t feel right, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Q: How can I prevent preterm birth?
Preterm birth occurs when a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy.
This condition is relatively common, affecting approximately 10% of infants in the United States as of 2022.
Babies born preterm, known as preemies, face critical challenges because they miss essential growth phases that occur in the final weeks of pregnancy, particularly for the development of the brain, lungs, and liver.
Risk factors for preterm birth:
- Increased risk in teens, women over 35, and specific racial and ethnic groups (including Black, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native women)
- Higher vulnerability among women with lower incomes or significant stress
- Greater risk with previous preterm births, infections (including COVID-19), multiple pregnancies (like twins or triplets), and chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension)
Tobacco and drug use during pregnancy - Elevated risk in women using in vitro fertilization, often due to multiple pregnancies
Prevention strategies:
- Early and consistent prenatal check-ups
- Maintain a healthy diet, stay active, and avoid harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.
- Employ stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or prenatal yoga.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and discuss previous preterm births or ongoing health issues.
Q: What are SUID and SIDS, and how can I keep my baby safe?
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are concerns for new parents, but there are steps you can take to reduce risks.
Risk factors:
- Babies sleeping on their stomachs
- Soft bedding, loose blankets, or overheating
Prevention tips:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet—no pillows, blankets, or toys.
- Keep your baby close by sleeping in the same room but not the same bed.
Join LAHC’s Mom Care Connect program
Join a community of supportive moms at LAHC’s Mom Care Connect.
Our bi-weekly meetings are at the Lennon Pregnancy Center, 24275 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, MI.
For more details, call us at 313-846-8480, visit our website, or follow us on Facebook to keep updated and support our mission.