Provider Quality

Each November is Prematurity Awareness Month. A premature birth is a baby born before 37 weeks gestation. In the U.S., about one in 10 births are premature. Babies that are born preterm can face serious health problems, so maternal healthcare is important to reduce risk and help babies be the healthiest they can be because there is no single cause of preterm birth.

The Fidelis Care BabyCare and maternal health support programs can help in making sure mothers are supported during pregnancy and after their baby is born. Babies that are born early can miss out on essential growth and development in the final weeks. This can lead to both short- and long-term health problems.

Supporting a healthy pregnancy is especially important. Some factors that can increase the risk of preterm delivery include young or advanced age of the mother, smoking, substance use disorder, stress, depression, and carrying more than one baby. Social determinates of health – social, environmental, and economic factors - also may increase the risk of preterm delivery. Here at Fidelis Care, we have care managers, behavioral health care managers, and social workers to help address these factors.

BabyCare is a specialized team that supports Fidelis Care members throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Services include health education, emotional support, connection to providers and community resources, breastfeeding and nutrition guidance, and assistance with transportation and essential supplies. Additional nursing support is provided for members with high-risk conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or a history of pregnancy complications.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Connect with an OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist) provider to make sure your body is ready for pregnancy by monitoring any current health conditions that you have.
• Protect yourself from infections and get vaccinated.
• Eat healthy foods and stay active.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and harmful drugs. Support programs for smoking cessation are available.
• Know the signs and symptoms of preterm labor. Getting help or treatment right away can help delay or stop labor.

If you do have a preterm birth and your baby needs to be admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), there are a few things you can count on. NICU doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, surgeons, specialists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, lactation support specialists, and social workers are there to support you and your baby. Regardless of why your baby is there, these providers focus on the growth and success of your baby. Safe discharge home is their main goal.

Babies that are born preterm have many needs. These can range from the use of equipment to assist in breathing, constant monitoring of their vital signs, intravenous access to help support them with nutrition and fluids before they are ready to feed by bottle, and monitoring for infection and low blood sugar. Premature babies need help supporting their body temperatures. A radiant warmer, or isolette, helps keep them warm. The NICU tries to mimic the womb the best it can.

The NICU can be a very overwhelming place; it is loud and busy. Here at Fidelis Care, we have support that can help you understand what you are experiencing with a NICU Nurse Care Management Program. We work hard to support mothers and help them understand what is happening with their babies.

Additional Resources

Fidelis Care BabyCare

Fidelis Care Maternal Health

NIH Preterm Labor and Birth