Welcome to the Maternal Health Hub
Empowering Moms with Resources and Support
Explore Our Key Topics on Maternal Health
Discover a wealth of information tailored to support you on your journey through motherhood. Each topic below links to dedicated pages filled with expert advice, valuable resources, and practical tips to help you navigate every stage of maternal health with confidence and ease.
Understanding Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
The Fourth Trimester: Navigating New Motherhood
Role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Maternal Health
Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
The Fourth Trimester: Navigating New Motherhood
Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Navigate the critical aspects of substance use during pregnancy, explore available support and treatment options, and find resources to help ensure a healthy journey for both mother and baby.
Essential guidance, practical tips, and support for breastfeeding mothers.
The InfantRisk Center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is a leading resource dedicated to providing evidence-based information on the safety of medications and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With a focus on supporting mothers and healthcare providers, the center offers expert guidance to promote the health and well-being of both mothers and their infants.
Through partnerships with local organizations and healthcare providers, Healthy Amarillo Women strives to bridge gaps in care by offering access to screenings, wellness programs, and health education tailored to the unique needs of women in the Texas Panhandle. Whether you're looking for guidance on prenatal care, family planning, or preventative health, this site serves as a valuable hub for information and support.
Everyday Activities and Lifestyle: Adjustments During Pregnancy
01.
Cat feces can contain Toxoplasma gondi, a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which can leas to serious complications for the fetus.
02.
Excessive caffeine intake is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.
03.
High body temperatures from these can increase the risk of neural tube defects or other abnormalities.
04.
Some fish, like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, have high mercury levels, which can harm a baby's developing nervous system.
05.
Unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses like brie or feta, can harbor Listeria, a bacteria that can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
06.
Deli Meats and hot dogs can also carry Listeria. Heating them until steaming hot (165F) kills any harmful bacteria.
07.
Strong chemicals, solvents, and pesticides can be harmful to. the baby's development.
08.
Raw eggs, sushi, rare meats and other undercooked foods can contain harmful bacteria or parasites like Salmonella and E. coli.
09.
Paint fumes, especially from oil-based paints or old lead based paints, can be harmful to the mother and baby.
10.
Heavy lifting or intense activities can increase the risk of back strain or miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester.
11.
Some hair dyes or chemical treatments contain harmful chemicals that might not be safe for pregnant women.
12.
Avoid Wearing High Heels or Tight Clothing
High heels can throw off balance due to a shifting center of gravity, increasing the risk of falls. Tight clothing can restrict blood flow.
13.
Both alcohol and nicotine have well-documented negative effects on fetal development, including the risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and low birth weight.
14.
Be Cautious with Herbal Teas and Supplements
Not all herbs are safe during pregnancy. Certain teas like chamomile or herbal supplements can trigger contractions or affect hormone levels.
15.
Standing or sitting for long periods can increase the risk of blood clots, swelling, and varicose veins.
Commonly Overlooked Aspects of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful and exciting time, but there are many important aspects that are frequently overlooked. From emotional changes and mental health struggles to the physical toll on the body, pregnancy can bring unexpected challenges. Issues like food insecurity, preeclampsia risks, postpartum recovery, and the impact of substance use can significantly affect maternal health outcomes. Understanding these often-overlooked factors is crucial in ensuring comprehensive care and support for expectant mothers, particularly those in underserved communities.
While general healthy eating is emphasized, specific nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium and, omega-3s are often overlooked. These are crucial for fetal development.
Pregnancy brings significant emotional and psychological changes. It's essential to monitor for signs of prenatal anxiety or depression, which can be overlooked amid the focus on physical health.
Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can improve mood, and energy, and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Not all over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements are safe during pregnancy. It's important to discuss everything with a healthcare provider.
Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive, leading to gingivitis or other dental issues. Regular dental check-ups are often overlooked but are necessary during pregnancy.
Many women are unaware of the need to monitor fetal movements in the second and third trimester. Reduced activity could be a sign of distress, so it's essential to be aware of the baby's normal patterns.
While rest if crucial, it's also important to sleep on the left side, particularly in the second and third trimesters. This position promotes better blood flow to the baby and helps alleviate pressure on the major blood vessels.
Creating a birth plan can help set expectations, but many mothers overlook the need for flexibility. Birth doesn't always go as planned, so being open to changes (like emergency c-sections) is important.
High stress levels can contribute to preterm labor or developmental issues for the baby. Many women overlook how significant managing stress is during pregnancy.
Many expectant mothers are unaware of the signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions, back pain, or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks.
Starting in the third trimester, perineal massage can help reduce the risk of tearing or needing an episiotomy during delivery, but it's not widely known.
Knowing the appropriate weight gain based on BMI and how it impacts the baby's health is crucial. This aspect is often overlooked, leading to either excessive or insufficient weight gain.
Many focus solely on the pregnancy and birth, overlooking the "fourth trimester," (the first 12 weeks postpartum). Understanding physical recovery, mental health changes, and newborn care is just as important.
Prenatal classes aren't just for first-time moms. They offer valuable information on birthing techniques, breastfeeding, newborn care, and more, which can be overlooked by experienced moms.
Substances like certain cleaning products, beauty products, or even secondhand smoke can affect fetal development, but they're often not discussed in detail.
Understanding how birth (particularly vaginal) can impact pelvic floor muscles is important, but is often missed. Early awareness can lead to proactive strategies to minimize issues.
Risk factors such as advanced maternal age, pre-existing conditions (like diabetes or hypertension), or previous complications can affect pregnancy, but their implications may not always be fully understood.
Mothers are often unaware of the full range of pain management options available during labor, from epidurals to alternative methods like breathing techniques or TENS machines.
Decisions around cord blood banking or delayed cord clamping should be discussed in advance, but many mothers learn about them only at the last minute.
Understanding which symptoms (e.g. sudden swelling, blurred visions, severe headaches) warrant immediate medical attention is often not emphasized enough.
County Specific Resources
