Helping Mothers Have Healthy Babies

Program Overview

The length between the birth of one baby and the beginning of the new pregnancy is the interpregnancy interval or interconceptional period, which research shows should be at least 18 months for optimal birth outcomes. In 2003, Healthy Start integrated interconceptional services into its operations, and by doing so, demonstrated that inter-pregnancy intervals for clients can be lengthened. Short intervals between pregnancies, even for women with uncomplicated prior births, increases the risk of preterm birth and neonatal death in subsequent births.

Healthy Start Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNP) and High Risk Nurses receive referrals from in-house staff to engage, provide services and monitor Healthy Start clients that are high risk: those with a prior poor pregnancy outcome, those with an interpregnancy interval less than 12 months, and those presenting with pregnancy complications.

The Family Planning Services available includes: testing and treatment for infections such as bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases, and urinary tract; contraception education and provision; and interconceptional services.