NJPreterm

Physical activity is safe and healthy during and after pregnancy – and it can help you feel better right away!

Exercise can even make labor shorter and recovery faster.

And when you’re active, it’s easier to keep up with your kids as they grow!

It’s important to discuss exercise during your prenatal appointments.

Learn more from 'Move Your Way':
https://health.gov/moveyourway -after-pregnancy

Your pregnancy requires extra attention and consideration BEFORE taking medications and supplements.

ALWAYS consult with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements while pregnant.

Click on this link for the 13 medications you should avoid while pregnant:
https://www.health.com/medications-to-avoid-during-pregnancy-8657826

Eating well is one of the best things you can do during pregnancy.

Good nutrition helps you handle the extra demands on your body as your pregnancy progresses.

Visit https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy to learn more on the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and tips on planning healthy meals.

July is International Group B Strep (GBS) Awareness Month.

About 10 to 30 percent of pregnant individuals carry GBS bacteria.

The best way to know if you have GBS is to get tested.

If you do have GBS, there’s good news! Your healthcare provider can give you treatment during labor and birth that protects your baby from the infection.

Click on the link below to watch a video below for more information: https://youtu.be/XtkvtZS_oVY

Or visit:
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/group-b-strep-infection

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy discusses maternal health in South Jersey during a visit to Camden County.

🌐Click on this link to read the First Lady's message to pregnant and birthing individuals in South Jersey:
https://phl17.com/phl17-news/new-jersey-first-lady-tammy-murphy-discusses-maternal-health-in-south-jersey/

🌐Click on this link for information on services available to pregnant and birthing individuals in New Jersey:
https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/pregnant/

- smoking while pregnant puts your baby at risk for certain birth defects?

Smoking also increases the risk for preterm or early birth.

Protect your baby.

Quit smoking today.

If you would like to learn more about quitting smoking or va**ng, visit www.momsquit.com or call 1-888-545-5191.



Mom's Quit Connection

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

During this month, the Prematurity Prevention Initiative would like to bring awareness to the challenges that many communities of color face regarding their ability to receive adequate mental health resources such as therapy and counseling.

Through this post, we acknowledge the many limitations that hinder certain communities from gaining access to proper mental health resources and to bring awareness to this month’s observance.

The Prematurity Prevention Initiative developed a social media toolkit: 'Watch Me Blossom: It Takes 39 Weeks to Bloom'.

This toolkit includes sample posts you can use to raise awareness about prematurity prevention and Black infant and maternal health in New Jersey.

To download, visit https://www.njpreterm.org/socialkits (link in bio).

Happy Independence Day from the Prematurity Prevention Initiative team!

If you are currently pregnant or thinking about pregnancy, knowing what questions to ask during prenatal appointments can be overwhelming.

The Prematurity Prevention Initiative has developed a flyer on sample questions to ask providers during pregnancy.

Download the flyer here: https://www.njpreterm.org/you-are-expecting

Hello, July!

It's UV Protection Awareness Month.

Do you know how to protect yourself from dangerous UV rays this summer?

Here are some important things to know:

*During spring and summer, UV rays are stronger
*UV rays are stronger between 10am-4pm
*Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still get through
*UV rays bounce off surfaces like water, sand and pavement, increasing UV exposure

Here is what you can do to protect yourself:
*When possible, choose shaded areas to hang out outside
*Wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses daily
*Protect your skin with clothing

Enjoy the summer safely!

the Prematurity Prevention Initiative has free resources to support you during your pregnancy?

One of the first things to do when pregnant is to schedule a visit with your OB/GYN.

It will be the first of many visits, all of which are important to monitor the baby's development and your health.

Use our prenatal schedule to plan this journey and build a strong relationship with those who will assist you in delivering a healthy baby.

Visit https://www.njpreterm.org/you-are-expecting to view a guide on how often to visit your prenatal care provider.

Did you know the Prematurity Prevention Initiative has Chronic Disease Fact Sheets that provide information on achieving a healthy pregnancy?

High blood pressure in pregnancy can cause complications like preterm birth (a baby delivered before 37 weeks), preeclampsia, and in some severe cases, death of the mom or growing baby.

Visit the Prematurity Prevention Initiative’s website (njpreterm.org/downloads) to download the fact sheets for free!

For easy access to the fact sheets and other educational materials, visit https://linktr.ee/njpreterm and click NJPreterm Downloadable Materials.

The Prematurity Prevention Initiative hosted 'Centering Health for Mothers and Babies: Understanding Preeclampsia.'

This event shed light on both clinical and lived experiences of preeclampsia in women and birthing individuals.

Learn more about understanding preeclampsia here: https://www.preeclampsia.org/what-is-preeclampsia

Learn more about the Prematurity Prevention Initiative at njpreterm.org.

June 21st is International Yoga Day!

Yoga can be a great exercise for individuals who are pregnant.

The benefits of doing yoga while pregnant may include:•Improved sleep
•Reduced stress and anxiety during pregnancy
•Increased strength, flexibility and muscle endurance for childbirth
•Decreased lower back pain, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath

The Prematurity Prevention Initiative encourages you to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

June is Healthy Homes Month.

Secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure increases health risks for not only children, but for other loved ones and pets.

Decrease this exposure by deep cleaning homes and smoking outdoors only.

When parents and caregivers of children 8 years old and younger are ready to quit, quit coaches are ready to help.

Visit http://momsquit.com to learn more about free quitting resources available in New Jersey.



Mom's Quit Connection

Happy Father’s Day from the Prematurity Prevention Initiative!

Second hand and third hand smoke can be dangerous for pregnant women and babies.

Did you know Mom's Quit Connection for Families works with fathers?

If you know a father who is ready to quit smoking this Father’s Day, reach out to Mom’s Quit Connection for Families at 1-888-545-5191 or www.momsquit.com.

June is Pride Month!

The Prematurity Prevention Initiative celebrates and recognizes the importance of Pride Month.

Learn more about the history of Pride Month:
https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/

Staff from the Prematurity Prevention Initiative attended The Cooperative and Family Health Initiatives’ 'We’re Rooting for You: Maternal Mental Health Awareness' self-care event in Burlington County.

Staff shared resources and education on healthy pregnancies to avoid preterm (early) birth.

Learn more about the Prematurity Prevention Initiative at www.njpreterm.org.

June is National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.

Congenital cytomegalovirus can occur when an infant is infected with a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) before birth.

Congenital means the condition is present at birth.

Learn more about how to prevent CMV here: https://www.nationalcmv.org/

June is Men’s Health Month!

The Prematurity Prevention Initiative and Mom's Quit Connection for Families recognize the important role that fathers and partners play in their family’s lives to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birthing experience.

Quitting smoking is the single best thing a person can do for their health.

For free help to quit smoking or va**ng, visit momsquit.com.

Visit njpreterm.org for resources for fathers and partners.

May 31st is 'World No To***co Day!'

Breathe fresh air into your lungs and decide to live to***co free.

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm delivery. Call 1-888-545-5191 or visit http://momsquit.com to talk to one of the Mom’s Quit Connection for Families To***co Treatment Specialists about quitting today.

***coDay

Mom's Quit Connection

Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed May 28, focuses on the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management.

The purpose of the day is to break taboos and spread the word that menstruation is normal and should be stigma-free.

The aim is to ensure everyone can manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and without shame by 2030.

Did you know!?

More than 500 million women and girls globally lack proper access to menstrual hygiene facilities.

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/menstrual-hygiene-day/

In observance of Maternal Mental Health Month, the Prematurity Prevention Initiative shares some important daily reminders to help improve mental well-being.

Visit https://nichq.org/campaign/maternal-mental-health-awareness-month to learn more about Maternal Mental Health Month.

May is Lupus Awareness Month.

Lupus is a chronic, or lifelong, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body.

Some people call lupus an 'invisible illness' because it is often not recognizable to others.

People with lupus can safely get pregnant and most will have healthy pregnancies and babies.

However, all individuals with lupus who get pregnant are considered to have a 'high risk pregnancy.'

This means that problems during pregnancy may be more likely for individuals with lupus.

Read more here about having a healthy pregnancy with lupus:
https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/pregnancy.htm #:~:text=Women%20with%20lupus%20can%20safely,likely%20for%20women%20with%20lupus.

Did you know the risk of preeclampsia doesn’t end even after you’ve had your baby?

Click on this link to watch a video for more information on postpartum preeclampsia: https://youtu.be/wa3P552cQs8

Learn more about Preeclampsia Awareness Month here: https://www.preeclampsia.org/AwarenessMonth #:~:text=Last%20Updated%20on%20April%2002,is%20%22Predict%20Prevent%20Prevail.%22

Did you know there are ways to lower your risk of preterm birth (a baby born before 37 weeks)?

Eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing your stress and seeing your healthcare provider early and regularly can help reduce the risk of preterm birth.

However, it is important to know that preterm birth is not 100% preventable.

For more information on preterm birth, visit http://www.njpreterm.org/.

Did you know the Prematurity Prevention Initiative has Chronic Disease Fact Sheets that provide information on achieving a healthy pregnancy?

High blood pressure in pregnancy can cause complications like preterm birth (a baby delivered before 37 weeks), preeclampsia, and in some severe cases, death of the mom or growing baby.

Visit the Prematurity Prevention Initiative’s website (njpreterm.org/downloads) to download the fact sheets for free!

For easy access to the fact sheets and other educational materials, visit https://linktr.ee/njpreterm (link in bio) and click NJPreterm Downloadable Materials.

May 12-18 is National Women’s Health Week!

National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is celebrated each year, beginning on Mother’s Day, to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority.

We’re celebrating the strength and determination of women who have taken control of their health and fostering an environment where all women feel supported and empowered to speak up about their health needs and concerns.

NWHW 2024 encourages women and birthing people to engage in healthy practices, access preventive care, and share their health experiences to inspire others.

Learn more about NWHW 2024 here: https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw