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Mom's Health

You might be expecting a baby, just had a baby, or maybe you might be thinking about having a baby someday – either way, there is important information here for you.

For a list of local resources and programs to help moms and caregivers before, during and after pregnancy, visit Oklahoma.gov/life.

Planning for Pregnancy

If you're not quite ready to be pregnant, but know you want to be in the future, it's never too early to plan for a healthy pregnancy. Family planning involves deciding when having a baby is right for you and how to make sure you and your partner are healthy and prepared for when it does happen.

Ways to prepare your body for pregnancy:

Prenatal care is the medical care you receive while you are pregnant to make sure you and your baby are healthy. Your first prenatal appointment should be in the first trimester and continue throughout the duration of your pregnancy.

If you don’t have health insurance that covers doctor visits during pregnancy, you can apply for SoonerCare online or visit your nearest county health department for assistance.

Almost half of pregnancies are unplanned, so it’s important to do what you can to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even if you aren’t planning to get pregnant. If you are trying to get pregnant, quit drinking and smoking, reduce stress as much as possible and take a multivitamin with at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. 

Smoking increases chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. Even secondhand smoke can be deadly to your unborn child and should be avoided as much as possible.

If you’re pregnant and interested in information and support to help you quit, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis and HIV, can infect your baby while you're pregnant. Others, such as chlamydia and genital herpes, can infect your baby during labor and/or birth. Many STIs are “silent” and don’t show symptoms, so you may not know if you’re infected.

If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, it’s important for you and your partner to get tested as soon as possible. Testing is available with your medical provider or at your local county health department.

Making sure you’re taking enough folic acid can prevent major birth defects in your baby’s brain and spine. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is used in supplements and fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals.

All women should be taking 400 mcg of folic acid every day, even if they aren’t planning on getting pregnant. 

While Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression (PPD) look very similar, PPD is more intense and severe. Most mothers experience Baby Blues for up to three weeks after delivery but 15-20% of women will experience symptoms of PPD.

The most distinctive symptom of PPD is intrusive thoughts that often include harming yourself or your baby. If you are experiencing these thoughts, you are not a bad mother.

Here are some resources to help.

Need Help Now?

  • You can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 24/7 for free, confidential support for pregnant and new moms in English and Spanish when feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted or sad. This hotline is staffed by trained mental health professionals there to offer you in-the-moment support and referrals for additional care when needed.
  • For emergencies when you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call 911 or call 988 for mental health emergencies
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