Resources Help Moms Stay Healthy

Each trimester, the prenatal coordinator sends women enrolled in the First Priority Health Prenatal Program resource materials relevant to their gestational stage. Below is a list of the extensive resources sent to members enrolled in the prenatal program of this subsidiary of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre. (For more information about the prenatal program, see story, p. 23.)

First Trimester

4 introductory letter to member

4 information on folic acid

4 information on smoking cessation

4 information on fetal growth and development

4 letter for dads

4 nutritional guide

4 information on protein

4 information on making healthy choices

4 the book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting

Second Trimester

4 information on healthy snacks

4 information on fast-food choices

4 information on exercise

4 magnet of warning signs of preterm labor

4 premature labor booklet

4 helpful hints on breast-feeding

4 warning signs on pregnancy-induced hypertension

4 brochure on childbirth education classes at participating facilities

4 information on Kegel exercises

Third trimester

4 information on self-palpation

4 information on kick-counts

4 information on pre-term labor

4 information on timing contractions

4 LaLeche League letter

Women with special risks also receive the following appropriate materials as needed:

4 information on C-sections

4 information on vaginal birth after C-section

4 hints for coping with bed rest during pregnancy

4 information on gestational diabetes