Equality Health’s Healthy Pregnancy Program
Your pregnancy test came back positive — good for you! Your first thought may be to let your closest loved ones know, but the next may very well be, “Now what do I do?” When it comes to you and your developing child’s health, every question is a good question.
I’m feeling morning sickness all day — is that normal? Should I worry if I see bloodstains? Why do I have so much gas? Should I worry about gaining too much weight? Will I ever get my energy back? Equality Health’s Healthy Pregnancy Program can help you get connected to the answers you need to support you and your growing baby.
The Healthy Pregnancy Program is a text-based program available in English and Spanish that’s accessible to all Equality Health members who are pregnant. It’s a way for Equality Health to let parents-to-be know that they do not have to go through this life-changing time alone.
“I am very excited about this program,” said Dr. Seth Dubry, Equality Health’s Arizona Medical Director. “As a family practice physician, I spent many years taking care of moms and babies. Empowering women to improve their healthcare and the care of their unborn children will lead to better clinical outcomes and engagement.”
First Things First
The most important thing to do is make sure you connect with your healthcare provider and set up routine visits during your pregnancy (called prenatal care). A healthy pregnancy improves your chances of having a healthy baby.
Important fact: It’s never too late to start prenatal care. Without prenatal care, the Office on Women’s Health (a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services available at www.womenshealth.gov) states babies are three times as likely to be underweight, which makes it harder for the little ones to develop normally and fight infections; and five times more likely to die. Your prenatal care can help prevent complications and provide the information you need to make sure your baby develops normally.
Texts from the Healthy Pregnancy Program are designed to supplement you with important information you can use along with the prenatal care you receive. These texts will not only boost your efforts to experience better health, they’ll help you better understand the changes you experience during your pregnancy. Knowledge about how to take good care of yourself and knowing where to get the tools to do it gives you the power to achieve a healthy outcome.
“By providing education, resources and support,” said Dubry, “we can give women tools to help improve outcomes and deal with the anxiety that can go along with being pregnant.”
Knowledge Is Power
Pregnancy is a special time for every woman who experiences it. And every pregnancy is different. What is the same in every pregnancy is how you treat your own body ultimately affects your child. The Healthy Pregnancy Program can help you achieve the confidence you need to make your journey through this significant time the most successful it can be for you and your baby.
Here is a list of benefits you get when you enroll in the Healthy Pregnancy Program:
- Text messages that include facts and resources about nutrition, vitamins, prenatal appointments/tests, stress management, depression or anxiety, and generally what to expect
- Guidance, tips and resources that empower you through your pregnancy and when you meet with your healthcare provider
- Connection to Equality Health Care Specialists/Care Coaches, social workers or community health workers whenever you need them
- Support if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, including postpartum (after the delivery of your child) depression
- Information about resources and education that will support you after your baby is born
For healthy educational resources and information, and to learn more about programs Equality Health offers to its members, visit: www.equalityhealth.com/members.
Published in Prensa Arizona, 9/23/2021