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Health Monitor for Wyoming Providers Modifiable Maternal Risk Factors: Weight, Substance Abuse and Depression: Strategies to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes

Pregnancy and Weight; Too Little, Too Much, and Just Right
Appropriate weight gain for pregnant women is vital to both short-term health and the long-term development and physical condition of the baby.  Women who gain too little weight create a risk for impaired cerebral auto-regulations; chronic kidney and heart disease, as well as severe developmental delays. Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy can give birth to babies at risk for gestational diabetes, shoulder dystocia and obesity. Providers must recognize that patients who are at high-risk for medical problems associated with inappropriate weight gain, are at high-risk for making poor life choice issues as well. There are promising strategies for providers to discuss with patients regarding adequate weight gain, as well as state-sponsored resources for these vulnerable women. Read More...

A Healthy Baby is Worth the Weight Campaign Aims to Lower LBW in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is assisting providers in educating their pregnant patients about the risks of inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy, as well as offering tips on how to discuss this sensitive topic with their patients. A Healthy Baby is Worth the Weight campaign provides a tool kit and training for office staff. For more information, contact your local public health nurse office or WDH Maternal and Family Health Division.  Read More...

Substance Abuse During Pregnancy: Studies Cite the Effects of Tobacco and Meth
Pregnant women who live in Wyoming have a higher rate of tobacco and methamphetamine (meth) abuse. Their unborn children are the silent victims; several studies demonstrate the dire consequences of their mother’s behaviors. These impact the increase of neurotoxins—creating birth deformities such as webbed and missing fingers, fetal head growth restriction and functional defects—this should alert providers to address their pregnant patients’ choices at every visit. Read More...

Depression: Another Concern for Pregnant Women
Major and minor depressive episodes for pregnant women are not uncommon but can impair 6.5 to 12.9% of women during pregnancy or within the first 12 months after delivery. Healthcare providers offering psychosocial support and counseling to pregnant women at risk of depression is effective in decreasing symptoms. To identify those at risk postnatally, screening via the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is recommended. Read More...