HOME VISITING: Decreasing Preterm Labor

There are many ways to lower your risk of giving birth prematurely, yet one in eight babies is born prematurely. Premature infants are also known as preemies. When a women gives birth less than 37 weeks into pregnancy, her baby is a preemie. A baby is more likely to avoid future health problems if his or her mother gives birth between 37-42 weeks after the mother’s last menstrual period.

 

Home visiting can support women to give birth after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Prenatal (before birth, during pregnancy) outcomes of home visiting include:

• increase use of care throughout pregnancy
• improved nutrition during pregnancy
• increased attendance at childbirth classes
• decrease in maternal, smoking
• increased use of health and other community resources
• greater interest by fathers in pregnancy

There are financial and health benefits of home visiting. Quality home visiting programs have helped decrease the number of low-birth weights births in Delaware by half. More babies are able to get a healthy start in life thanks to home visiting programs. $28,000-$40,000 are saved for every low birth weight prevented. Do you think home visiting could be right for you? Dial 2-1-1 or text 302-231-1464 to speak with Help Me Grow to enroll.