January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month Join us in the nationwide effort to raise awareness of birth defects, their causes, and their impact.
This year, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their campaign to raise awareness among women and their families on actions they can take to increase their chances of having a healthy baby.
While not all birth defects are preventable, there are specific steps women can take to reduce the likelihood of certain types of birth defects. In addition to managing existing health conditions, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and eliminating dangerous behaviors before and during pregnancy, one of the most important steps a woman can take to minimize her risk of having a baby born with a birth defect is to receive early and regular prenatal care.
When you receive prenatal care, your doctor will assess your health, take a family history, and discuss any lifestyle issues that may affect your pregnancy. Your doctor can also diagnose underlying health disorders that may impact your health or the development of your unborn child and order tests to detect any potential issues. Your doctor will also advise you against potential hazards that can be harmful to your baby, such as taking certain medications.
Understanding the importance of prenatal care and its role on healthy outcomes, Jamaica Hospital now offers an innovative approach for expectant moms. The hospital’s CenteringPregnancy program invites women with similar due dates to share their experiences in a friendly, group dynamic, facilitated by doctors, nurses and midwives. Through this unique model of care, women have an opportunity to share their experiences, receive support, and empower one another, while learning how to maintain healthy pregnancies.
Jamaica Hospital hopes that by offering a group prenatal care model to our patients, they will be motivated to receive the appropriate level of care for their unborn babies, which will lead to better outcomes.
To learn more about the Centering Pregnancy program at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-291-3276.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.