text4baby - Text message initiative designed to curb premature births

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Text message initiative designed to curb premature births

Aiming to promote maternal health and reduce the number of babies born prematurely, the U.S. government has teamed with technology companies, health professionals and others to reach out to pregnant women and new mothers.

The new program, text4baby, is a free mobile information service that sends health tips via text message three times a week. The messages are timed to a woman's stage of pregnancy or the baby's age up to 1 year. Their focus includes nutrition, seasonal flu prevention and treatment, mental health issues, risks of tobacco use and immunization schedules. The texts also connect women to public clinics and support services for prenatal and infant care.

Women can sign up for the service online (www.text4baby.org/).

Text4baby Tips

Even if U feel great, a pregnant woman needs checkups with a Dr./midwife (CNM/CM). For help with costs, call 800-311-2229.
Don't start a new medicine or stop your current medicine unless your Dr. tells U to. Info on over-the-counter & prescription medicine: 866-626-6847.
Some women may spot or bleed in early pregnancy. If you have any bleeding, it's always best to call your doctor or midwife (CNM/CM).
Running to the bathroom a lot? It’s normal. But if your urine smells bad, has blood, or if it hurts when you go, you could have a UTI. Call the Dr.
Women who smoke have a higher risk of losing their baby or having a child with breathing & learning problems. Call 800-784-8669 for info on quitting.
Your baby is growing a lot! Baby is now the size of a lime & can open its mouth & move its tiny hands.
A pregnant woman only needs about 300 extra calories each day. A 300 calorie snack is 1 cup of low-fat milk with 1 banana & 1 egg.
Here’s another reason for you to get the flu shot. It helps protect your baby from flu after birth for 6 months. Questions? Call CDC at 800-232-4636.
Get a crib to keep your baby safe while he sleeps. The safest way for baby to sleep is on his back in a crib near your bed (within arm's reach).
If you have any bleeding during the 2nd or 3rd trimester, call your doctor or midwife (CNM/CM) right away.
If you have any signs of preterm labor--cramps, belly tightening, low back pain, bleeding, or watery, pink/brown discharge--call your Dr. right away.
If you eat deli meat & hot dogs, cook them until they’re steaming hot. Heating can kill germs that could harm you or your baby.
Can’t sleep? Lie on your side. Put pillows between your knees, under your belly and behind your back. This should give you extra support.
A seat belt protects you & your baby. Shoulder belt goes between your breasts & lap strap goes under your belly (not on or above). Wear it every time.
Counting down the days until your due date? These last weeks are worth the wait -- your baby’s brain and organs are still developing.
It's time for baby's 1-month Dr.'s visit. Your baby had blood tests right after she was born. At this visit, ask your Dr. for the results.
When you have contractions, your belly tightens & feels like a menstrual cramp that gets stronger & stronger. Think you're in labor? Call your doctor!
Are you breastfeeding, Mom? Great job! Breast milk is the best food for your baby. Questions? Call the National Breastfeeding Helpline at 800-994-9662.
Not sure if your car seat is installed right? Get it inspected. Department of Transportation can help. Call 888-327-4236 for locations near you.
If you’re anxious, depressed or feeling hopeless & don’t know where to turn, call Postpartum Support Int’l at 800-944-4773 for help & support.
Holding, talking, reading & singing to your baby help her learn. Soon your baby will coo, babble, hum & laugh back!
Breaking news! The American Academy of Pediatrics announced new car seat guidelines. Kids should now ride in rear-facing car safety seats until AGE 2.

Health Hotlines 4 Moms

Check out this list of key phone numbers and hotlines and get connected to info and services
right away.

Click here for hotline list

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Text message initiative designed to curb premature births