Prenatal Health Fair Takes Place In Area
The Roosevelt County Health Department conducted a prenatal health fair at the Fort Peck Community College’s Greet the Dawn building in Poplar on Friday, Sept. 12.
Deanna Diulio, certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner, explained having such an event is very beneficial.
“Prenatal care is essential for optimizing the mother and baby’s health. Consistent pregnancy care reduces pregnancy-associated illness and death and improves mother and baby outcomes. Early initiation of prenatal care (ideally before three months) allows us to identify and manage medical and social concerns. As well as provide testing for diabetes, infections and to treat any conditions that may complicate the pregnancy,” Diulio said.
She added, “Each mother’s medical and social needs are unique to them. So, along with routine monitoring of blood pressure, weight, fetal heartbeat, screening for depression/ anxiety, domestic violence, and substance use, other screenings may be recommended or necessary to take excellent care of the woman and her growing baby. It is important to examine and treat conditions in the mother such as anemia (low iron), tooth decay, and urinary tract infections, to decrease the risk of preterm (early) delivery and other complications to the baby. So, in addition to seeing a midwife or doctor for your pregnancy, you should also see a dentist regularly before and during pregnancy.”
The event featured a wide range of information including topics such as immunizations for a healthy pregnancy, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, breastfeeding and the importance of workouts and stretching.
“Prenatal care provides education on pregnancy, birth, parenting, and gives access to support for many social concerns. Good prenatal care is associated with lower rates of preterm birth, stillbirth (miscarriage), and maternal and infant death. Prenatal care is a preventive medicine that directly impacts the short- and long-term health of both the mother and child,” Diulio said.
