Information for Expecting Mothers

Stay Healthy

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before, during, and after your pregnancy will lead to positive outcomes for you and your baby. Take consideration to each of the below categories, with links to more information, as you continue your journey into healthy motherhood.

• Weight Gain During Pregnancy
• Importance of Folic Acid
• Understanding Preterm Births
• Substance Abuse
• Vaccinations

Get Educated

If you are expecting, self-empowerment to take control of your health is crucial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 3 in 5 pregnant-related deaths could be prevented. Learning more about maternal mortality and the warning signs that may precede poor outcomes will help in preventing mortality and morbidity.

Don't ignore these postpartum warning signs:

• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Decreased blood pressure
• Clammy skin
• Feeling faint/weak
• Heavy bleeding from the vagina that doesn't slow or stop
• Increased heart rate
• Chills

Prepare for Postpartum Care

Developing a postpartum care team will aid in ensuring that you and your baby have the necessary support system in the first few months after birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has put together a helpful tool to assist you as you begin the development of your postpartum care team.

In addition to a postpartum care team, protecting your mental health is equally important. In 2016, mental health was found to be a key contributing factor among the deaths reviewed by the AL-MMRC. Learn more about perinatal depression and anxiety.

Additional Resources

• Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. Visit our Breastfeeding page to get more information. 
• Maternity Care Coordination – WIC participants are eligible to receive these services. Download this Brochure for more information.
• Applying for Medicaid – The Alabama Medicaid Maternity Care Program provides medical care for pregnant women. Review this Brochure for steps on the application process.
• Oral health during pregnancy – Changes in oral health may occur during a woman’s pregnancy. This Fact Sheet outlines common issues and steps to maintain good oral health.
• More pregnancy resources – Visit our Resources page for more information on important topics, including fetal movement counting, prematurity, and more.
• Grief support – If you have experienced the loss of a child or loved one due to pregnancy-related complications, please know that you are not alone. Resources exist to help you cope during this very difficult time.  

Information for Women Planning to Become Pregnant

If you are considering becoming pregnant, one of the best ways to get prepared is by optimizing your health before a potential pregnancy. Well Woman Alabama, an effort by ADPH, strives to build a foundation of preconception and interconception care for women ages 15-55. Visit the site for program enrollment information in one of the participating counties.

Additional Resources

• Preconception Planning – Planning for a baby is an exciting time for those involved. Visit this site for details on important considerations.
• Information for Men – Preconception planning is equally important for men as it is for women. Consider these factors with your partner before having a baby.