Maternal & Newborn Health
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Testing
The Health District does not provide pregnancy tests. Please call a local hospital-based clinic to arrange pregnancy testing.
Prenatal Care
Proper prenatal care is one of the most effective ways for mothers to deliver healthy babies. There are many factors to having a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby. Any questions you have about your health or the health of your baby should be discussed with your health care provider as soon as possible.
Pregnant women should do the following:
- As soon as you think you may be pregnant, make an appointment to see a health care provider. The earlier you visit a doctor or health care provider, the sooner you can begin taking care of yourself and your baby.
- Even before getting pregnant, women of childbearing years should be aware of folic acid intake. Folic acid helps prevent congenital birth defects such as spina bifida. Ask your health care provider about folic acid supplements.
- Drink more water; six to eight glasses daily is recommended throughout pregnancy.
- Get regular checkups throughout your pregnancy. The number of visits to your health care provider will increase the last few months of pregnancy.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Wear a seat belt. Always wear the shoulder strap and adjust lower belt to fit below stomach.
- Talk to your health care provider about you and your baby’s nutritional needs.
- Inform all health care providers about your pregnancy (eye doctor, dentist, etc.).
- Beware of workplace, household, and environmental hazards, including contact with chemicals, radiation, and other harmful substances. Steer clear of X-rays for medical or dental diagnosis.
Pregnant women should AVOID the following:
- Drug use (recreational, prescription, or over-the-counter), unless specified by your health care provider.
- Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Smoking during pregnancy (including exposure to secondhand smoke) may cause prematurity, lung disease, crib death, and other complications. Encourage others not to smoke in your presence, since secondhand smoke is also harmful to you and the fetus. Alcohol consumption can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause neurological problems and developmental delays.
Your baby
Newborn Metabolic Testing
For children born in a hospital or licensed maternity center, a blood specimen is collected from newborns prior to discharge from the nursery. Newborn screening is a preventive public health program for early identification of rare disorders that can lead to disability, mental retardation or even death. Home visits are also available for this service.
Welcome Home
Welcome Home is a newborn home visiting program for teenage and other new moms administered by the Family and Children First Council with grant funds from the Ohio Department of Health.
Welcome Home provides in-home visits by registered nurses to new parents. In Hamilton County, Welcome Home visits focus on health promotion and education, well child and well mother screenings and environmental safety factors. Nurses answer questions about the health of the baby, and provide health care information and referrals to community support and services. Prenatal visits may also be made. Every new mom receives a Welcome Home packet that includes coupons, educational materials, and a list of local phone numbers for new mothers.
A Secret, Safe Place for Newborns
A Secret, Safe Place provides an option for mothers and/or parents of newborns, providing confidential emergency care and shelter in Hamilton County hospitals.
Newborn babies (up to 3 days old) can be brought to a Hamilton County hospital’s emergency department and left with someone at the hospital wearing a hospital identification badge. Total secrecy is assured, and the mother will not be prosecuted for abandonment if she acts within 3 days of the birth and the baby is not harmed.
The hospitals listed below will provide a safe haven for the baby, no questions asked, giving medical attention and care until the baby can be placed in an appropriate home.
- Bethesda North Hospital
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Christ Hospital
- Good Samaritan Hospital
- Jewish Hospital – Kenwood
- Mercy Franciscan Hospital - Mt. Airy
- Mercy Hospital – Anderson
- University Hospital
Questions about A Secret, Safe Place? Call United Way Helpline by dialing 211.
Parenting
Coping with parenting stress
First time parents often have questions or experience frustration as their child begins to grow and develop. Here are some frequently asked questions and tips to help you better understand your child and manage stressful situations.
What can you do when you start losing your temper with your children?
There are several ways to help you “keep your cool.” Try these steps:
- Put your hand over your mouth. Count to 10…20…30...
- Stop. Press your lips together and breathe deeply.
- Phone a friend.
- Say the alphabet out loud.
- Take a walk or go to another room (only if it’s safe to leave your child).
- Take a hot bath or splash cold water on your face.
- Do something with your hands (bake a cake, draw or write down how you feel, clean the bathroom).
- Close your eyes and imagine you’re hearing what your child hears.
- Listen to music or sing a song.
- Hug a pillow.
How do you know you need to get help for yourself?
Seek help if you:
- Experience intense anger or sadness, or feel overwhelmed by everyday problems.
- Respond violently when your child has a temper tantrum.
- Are afraid you might hurt your child.
- If you feel you are losing control with your child, pick up the phone immediately. Call one of these numbers:
Parents Hotline (513) 961-8004
Childhelp USA/IOF Foresters National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 422-4453