New data collected and analyzed by the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Maternal Mortality Review Program shows that people of color are experiencing pregnancy-related deaths at a disproportionate rate in Arizona and that mental health supports are critically needed in our state. Findings in the report on maternal mortality paint a concerning picture of rising [...]
Across America, one baby in every 33 is born with a birth defect. In Arizona, that translates to about 2,400 children each year born with any of a number of diagnoses, including Down syndrome, heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, and spina bifida. Many causes of birth defects, such as changes in genes and [...]
Maternal health is a key priority at ADHS. During the week when we mark Maternal Health Awareness Day, I'm highlighting two recent initiatives aimed at improving the health of pregnant women, postpartum women, and newborns. One is a recent report summarizing data on maternal mortality related to mental health conditions and substance use disorder. It [...]
Those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant share the goal of having a healthy baby. In addition to getting proper prenatal care, there's one more step prospective parents can take: Avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Month and Sept. 9 — the 9th [...]
Health Start, an ADHS program that educates pregnant and postpartum women about the benefits of prenatal care and childhood immunizations, will now be able to help even more Arizona babies get a healthier start. A curriculum developed by the ADHS Health Start team has been approved for use in training community health workers, who will [...]
Are you pregnant? Do you have a friend or loved one who’s expecting? Maybe your baby’s already arrived, you’re breastfeeding, or you’re even just thinking about getting pregnant. Whatever your situation, congratulations are in order! There’s even more good news for you: Whatever comes next, you can protect yourself and your child safely with vaccines. [...]
Last year, more than 100 babies were born with syphilis in Arizona, including nine who were stillborn. Syphilis is completely preventable through timely testing and treatment. Testing should take place three times during pregnancy – at the first prenatal care visit, early in the third trimester (around 28-32 weeks), and at delivery. In Arizona, there [...]
Every year in Arizona, about 70 women die within a year of a pregnancy, and another 900 women experience unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to their health. More than 80% of those complications are considered preventable with proper care, according to the Arizona Maternal Mortality Review [...]
How excited did you feel the first time you felt your baby move? What begins like a small flutter in the early stages of pregnancy often progresses to full blown kicks (and punches!) by the third trimester. While it can be great fun for parents to feel or see their baby moving around, paying close [...]
A joyous occasion for parents around the world – the birth of a baby – can bring something just as miraculous to patients. Cord blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after a child is born is helping doctors treat more than 80 life-threatening diseases. The collection process occurs after the baby is [...]
