Prenatal Care

WHY ARE PRENATAL CHECKUPS IMPORTANT?

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, a preconception care visit can set you on the path to a safe and healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can also help you decide what steps to take to become physically and emotionally ready to have a baby.

If you suspect you are pregnant, or know you are pregnant (even if this isn’t your first pregnancy), early and regular prenatal visits will improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy because every pregnancy is different. To stay up-to-date on all your prenatal checkups, see if you qualify for a free personal nurse through the Bright Start program.

Here are 10 REASONS to schedule and keep your prenatal appointments:

Reduces your risk of pregnancy complications.
When you get regular prenatal care, doctors can spot and treat health issues early, which can cure many problems and prevent others.
Gives you the ability to control existing conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can lead to serious complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia
Reduces your baby’s risk of complications because doctors can identify potential problems earlier.
Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are 3x more likely to have a low birth weight and are 5x more likely to die.
Can help you eliminate known risk factors. Things like tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy have been shown to increase the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use also increases the risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause a variety of problems including: abnormal facial features, having a small head, poor coordination, poor memory, intellectual disability, and problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones. Exposing your baby to secondhand smoke increases the risk for frequent and severe asthma attacks, ear infections, respiratory infections, and SIDS.
Can help you maintain a healthy diet and weight during your pregnancy.
Gives you the opportunity to review all of the medications you are or might need to take during your pregnancy. There are medications (including some acne treatments and dietary or herbal supplements) that are not safe to take during pregnancy.
Healthcare providers are a great resource for information on how to stay healthy before, during, and after each pregnancy so you can give your baby the healthiest start to life.
Healthcare providers can also put you in touch with resources and support networks within your community.

What’s involved in a prenatal checkup?

Prenatal visits often include a physical exam, weight checks, and blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, you may also receive blood tests or ultrasound exams. These visits will also include important discussions about your health, the infant’s health, and any questions you may have about the pregnancy.

Your healthcare provider is part of a team of people dedicated to helping you… think of regular checkups as part of the support system designed to give you and your baby the best possible start to a healthy life!

WHY ARE PRENATAL CHECKUPS IMPORTANT?

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, a preconception care visit can set you on the path to a safe and healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can also help you decide what steps to take to become physically and emotionally ready to have a baby.

If you suspect you are pregnant, or know you are pregnant (even if this isn’t your first pregnancy), early and regular prenatal visits will improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy because every pregnancy is different. To stay up-to-date on all your prenatal checkups, see if you qualify for a free personal nurse through the Bright Start program.

Here are 10 REASONS to schedule and keep your prenatal appointments:

Reduces your risk of pregnancy complications.
When you get regular prenatal care, doctors can spot and treat health issues early, which can cure many problems and prevent others.
Gives you the ability to control existing conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can lead to serious complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia
Reduces your baby’s risk of complications because doctors can identify potential problems earlier.
Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are 3x more likely to have a low birth weight and are 5x more likely to die.
Can help you eliminate known risk factors. Things like tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy have been shown to increase the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use also increases the risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause a variety of problems including: abnormal facial features, having a small head, poor coordination, poor memory, intellectual disability, and problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones. Exposing your baby to secondhand smoke increases the risk for frequent and severe asthma attacks, ear infections, respiratory infections, and SIDS.
Can help you maintain a healthy diet and weight during your pregnancy.
Gives you the opportunity to review all of the medications you are or might need to take during your pregnancy. There are medications (including some acne treatments and dietary or herbal supplements) that are not safe to take during pregnancy.
Healthcare providers are a great resource for information on how to stay healthy before, during, and after each pregnancy so you can give your baby the healthiest start to life.
Healthcare providers can also put you in touch with resources and support networks within your community.

What’s involved in a prenatal checkup?

Prenatal visits often include a physical exam, weight checks, and blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, you may also receive blood tests or ultrasound exams. These visits will also include important discussions about your health, the infant’s health, and any questions you may have about the pregnancy.

Your healthcare provider is part of a team of people dedicated to helping you… think of regular checkups as part of the support system designed to give you and your baby the best possible start to a healthy life!

Reasons to Get Vaccinated if You’re Pregnant

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant. Being vaccinated can help protect you and your baby.

Pregnant women may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant women:

Infected pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for ICU admission and to require mechanical ventilation, according to a CDC study of thousands of women in the U.S. from January to June.
Among women with COVID-19, about 32% of pregnant women were reported to have been hospitalized, compared with about 6% of nonpregnant women, the study found.
Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk for preterm birth and might be more likely to have other poor outcomes.

Other things can increase risk:

Underlying medical conditions
Being older than 25 years
Living or working in a community with high numbers of COVID cases

Research shows no evidence that the vaccine will cause fertility problems.

Explore the full CDC study.

Questions about COVID-19 vaccination & pregnancy? Contact MotherToBaby, or call 1-866-626-6847.

What you can do to keep mom and baby safe

Pregnant women and their families should take steps to stay healthy and reduce their risk for getting COVID-19.

Get Vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective—protecting you from getting the virus, spreading the virus, and getting sick if you do. CDC recommends everyone ages 18 and older get a booster shot.

Practice hand hygiene

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you’ve been outside of your home. Avoid touching your face.

Wear a mask in public

Masks lower the risk of spreading COVID to others. People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated. Wearing a mask indoors in public protects against the Delta variant and prevents possible spread of the virus.

Social distance, when possible

Maintain at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others if you go out in public. If you can, avoid large gatherings.

If you think you’ve been infected

Contact your healthcare provider to arrange testing. Make sure to keep a distance from others until you have the results so you can stop any potential spread.

Current evidence suggests that the chance of a newborn getting COVID-19 from their birth parent is low, especially when the parent takes steps (such as wearing a mask and washing hands) to prevent spread before and during care of the newborn.

Learn more about caring for your newborn if you have COVID.

Text4baby is a free information service that delivers three cell phone text messages per week through pregnancy and baby’s first year. The messages include information about pregnancy, your developing baby, hotlines, and health alerts. Signing up is easy and takes just a few minutes.

Simply text the word “BABY” to the number 511411 or text “BEBE” to 511411 for messages in Spanish.

When prompted, enter your expected due date or baby’s date of birth.
Put in your zip code (e.g., 90210).
Done! You will begin getting three messages a week until your baby turns one, timed to how far along you are in your pregnancy or your baby’s age. Sometimes there are health alerts, so on certain weeks you may get an extra message.
If at any time you want to cancel service, just text STOP to 511411 (or reply to one of your text4baby messages with the word STOP).

Text4baby is a free information service that delivers three cell phone text messages per week through pregnancy and baby’s first year. The messages include information about pregnancy, your developing baby, hotlines, and health alerts. Signing up is easy and takes just a few minutes.

Simply text the word “BABY” to the number 511411 or text “BEBE” to 511411 for messages in Spanish.

When prompted, enter your expected due date or baby’s date of birth.
Put in your zip code (e.g., 90210).
Done! You will begin getting three messages a week until your baby turns one, timed to how far along you are in your pregnancy or your baby’s age. Sometimes there are health alerts, so on certain weeks you may get an extra message.
If at any time you want to cancel service, just text STOP to 511411 (or reply to one of your text4baby messages with the word STOP).

When a pregnant woman goes into labor early, her baby may be born too small and too soon. Preterm labor can happen from the fifth month on, but can usually be stopped – if it is caught early. If you have any of the following warning signs, contact your doctor immediately:

Menstrual-like cramps
Located just above the pubic bone, constant or comes and goes
Low, dull backache
Constant or comes and goes
Pressure
Feels like the baby is pushing down, or feels heavy
Abdominal cramping
Located around the belly-button area, may be accompanied by diarrhea
Increase or change in vaginal discharge
Mucousy, watery, light-colored or bloody
Fluid leaking from the vagina
May be a slow trickle or sudden gush
A general feeling that something isn’t right
If you think something may be wrong, go with your instinct and contact your health care provider
Uterine contractions that are 10 minutes apart or less
Contractions may be painless and are sometimes described as feeling like the “baby is balling up”

Find out more about the warning signs of preterm labor.

If you are concerned about the cost of medical care, check to see if you qualify for Medicaid pregnancy coverage, which assists with medical expense throughout your pregnancy. For more information call 1-605-773-4678 or contact your local Department of Social Services Medicaid office.

Being pregnant with your first baby can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. There’s so much to prepare for and know. And you want to be the best mom you can be. What if you had your own personal nurse to support you during your pregnancy and after your baby arrives? The Bright Start program is here to help you be the best mom you can be by making the best choices for you and your family from the very beginning—a bright start can make a big difference!

Bright Start’s Free Personal Nurse Program – Telehealth Appointments Now Available

Bright Start’s free personal nurse program helps first-time moms focus on their health during pregnancy, so they have healthier babies. When you sign up for Bright Start, we’ll connect you to a friendly, caring registered nurse. She will work with you one-to-one, giving you all the support, advice and information you need during your pregnancy and up until your child turns 2.

Telehealth & Virtual Home Visits

During COVID-19, home visits are still being offered in some areas, but many are being scheduled online or via telehealth. You don’t even need to travel to see your nurse — you can connect over the phone or meet virtually!

Telehealth phone calls or virtual visits can be scheduled as a phone call or video chat. They’re set up the same as an in-person visit. Call a Bright Start office near you or send us a message to set up a telehealth appointment or a virtual visit.

Who Can Get a Free Nurse

You are eligible for a free personal nurse if you’re a first-time mom who meets income requirements and lives in one of the nine areas we serve in South Dakota. Visits from your nurse begin anytime in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy and continue up until your child’s 2nd birthday.

How Your Nurse Can Help

Your personal nurse can help you:

Access prenatal care and nutrition guidance for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby
Learn about child development
Feel more confident as a mom by practicing breastfeeding, home safety, safe sleep positions for baby, and much more
Help you set goals and determine the parenting strategies that work best for your family
Connect to healthcare, family planning, pediatric care, childcare, early childhood programs, job training, continuing education, and other resources in your community
Laugh when you’re feeling stressed!

Family and Friends are Welcome

Your baby’s father, family members, and friends are all welcome to join you for meetings with your nurse. Of course, your nurse’s main focus will be on you as the mom – but building a support system will help you create a positive environment for your baby. Because when you’re healthy, confident and have resources, it’s good for your whole family.

Hear from Moms on Bright Start

Here’s what moms say about Bright Start’s personal nurse program.

“I’ve learned so much on Bright Start. It helps me sort through the advice I get from friends and family to help decide what I want to do.”

“I like that someone who knows what she’s talking about…is there to answer questions.”

“My nurse really listens and is open to any conversation.”

“The information I get from Bright Start is just right for her age—potty training, temper tantrums, how she learns. The nurse is very understanding and helpful.”

“My nurse makes sure we get the information that fits what I want to learn.”

“I like being on Bright Start because they try and help me be better than I thought I would be.”

How to Sign Up

The quickest way to sign up or learn more is to call the Bright Start office near you today.

Pine Ridge
605-867-2328

Rapid City
605-355-3538

Sioux Falls
605-274-0233

Sisseton
605-689-4183

Huron
605-353-7135

Spearfish & Belle Fourche
605-642-1361

Aberdeen
605-626-2654

You can also send us a message. Just provide your contact info and tell us you’re interested in signing up for Bright Start.

Bright Start also accepts referrals from:

Healthcare providers
Clinics & hospitals
Schools & community agencies
Individuals (you can even refer yourself)

The Bright Start program implements the Nurse-Family Partnership model and is supported by the South Dakota Department of Health.

For more information:
Nurse-Family Partnership for First-Time Moms
Nurse-Family Partnership for Nurses
Bright Start Children’s Home Society Sioux Falls

Being pregnant with your first baby can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. There’s so much to prepare for and know. And you want to be the best mom you can be. What if you had your own personal nurse to support you during your pregnancy and after your baby arrives? The Bright Start program is here to help you be the best mom you can be by making the best choices for you and your family from the very beginning—a bright start can make a big difference!

Bright Start’s Free Personal Nurse Program – Telehealth Appointments Now Available

Bright Start’s free personal nurse program helps first-time moms focus on their health during pregnancy, so they have healthier babies. When you sign up for Bright Start, we’ll connect you to a friendly, caring registered nurse. She will work with you one-to-one, giving you all the support, advice and information you need during your pregnancy and up until your child turns 2.

Telehealth & Virtual Home Visits

During COVID-19, home visits are still being offered in some areas, but many are being scheduled online or via telehealth. You don’t even need to travel to see your nurse — you can connect over the phone or meet virtually!

Telehealth phone calls or virtual visits can be scheduled as a phone call or video chat. They’re set up the same as an in-person visit. Call a Bright Start office near you or send us a message to set up a telehealth appointment or a virtual visit.

Who Can Get a Free Nurse

You are eligible for a free personal nurse if you’re a first-time mom who meets income requirements and lives in one of the nine areas we serve in South Dakota. Visits from your nurse begin anytime in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy and continue up until your child’s 2nd birthday.

How Your Nurse Can Help

Your personal nurse can help you:

Access prenatal care and nutrition guidance for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby
Learn about child development
Feel more confident as a mom by practicing breastfeeding, home safety, safe sleep positions for baby, and much more
Help you set goals and determine the parenting strategies that work best for your family
Connect to healthcare, family planning, pediatric care, childcare, early childhood programs, job training, continuing education, and other resources in your community
Laugh when you’re feeling stressed!

Family and Friends are Welcome

Your baby’s father, family members, and friends are all welcome to join you for meetings with your nurse. Of course, your nurse’s main focus will be on you as the mom – but building a support system will help you create a positive environment for your baby. Because when you’re healthy, confident and have resources, it’s good for your whole family.

Hear from Moms on Bright Start

Here’s what moms say about Bright Start’s personal nurse program.

“I’ve learned so much on Bright Start. It helps me sort through the advice I get from friends and family to help decide what I want to do.”

“I like that someone who knows what she’s talking about…is there to answer questions.”

“My nurse really listens and is open to any conversation.”

“The information I get from Bright Start is just right for her age—potty training, temper tantrums, how she learns. The nurse is very understanding and helpful.”

“My nurse makes sure we get the information that fits what I want to learn.”

“I like being on Bright Start because they try and help me be better than I thought I would be.”

How to Sign Up

The quickest way to sign up or learn more is to call the Bright Start office near you today.

Pine Ridge
605-867-2328

Rapid City
605-355-3538

Sioux Falls
605-274-0233

Sisseton
605-689-4183

Huron
605-353-7135

Spearfish & Belle Fourche
605-642-1361

Aberdeen
605-626-2654

You can also send us a message. Just provide your contact info and tell us you’re interested in signing up for Bright Start.

Bright Start also accepts referrals from:

Healthcare providers
Clinics & hospitals
Schools & community agencies
Individuals (you can even refer yourself)

The Bright Start program implements the Nurse-Family Partnership model and is supported by the South Dakota Department of Health.

For more information:
Nurse-Family Partnership for First-Time Moms
Nurse-Family Partnership for Nurses
Bright Start Children’s Home Society Sioux Falls

The South Dakota Department of Health offers programs that serve pregnant women. These programs DO NOT replace the prenatal care you receive from a health care provider.

Referral

Includes linking you to medical care and community resources you are interested in such as incentive programs, prenatal classes, breastfeeding classes, adoption services and other programs designed to support pregnant women.

Baby Care

Monthly visits with a nurse during pregnancy to help you have a healthy pregnancy and to learn more about pregnancy topics you are interested in.

WIC: Women, Infants, and Children’s Program

Provides nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, referrals to other health care services, healthy foods based on individual needs, and links women, infants, and children to immunization services.

Immunizations

All pregnant women are eligible to receive influenza vaccine and will receive information about other vaccines that are recommended.

Find your local South Dakota Department of Health office.

Or call 1-800-305-3064

Prenatal Care

Scheduling Prenatal Checkups

WHY ARE PRENATAL CHECKUPS IMPORTANT?

Here are 10 REASONS to schedule and keep your prenatal appointments:

What’s involved in a prenatal checkup?

Scheduling Prenatal Checkups

WHY ARE PRENATAL CHECKUPS IMPORTANT?

Here are 10 REASONS to schedule and keep your prenatal appointments:

What’s involved in a prenatal checkup?

Pregnancy & COVID-19

Reasons to Get Vaccinated if You’re Pregnant

What you can do to keep mom and baby safe

Get Vaccinated

Practice hand hygiene

Wear a mask in public

Social distance, when possible

If you think you’ve been infected

Text 4 Baby

Text 4 Baby

Preterm Labor and Warning Signs

Medical Expenses

Bright Start

Bright Start’s Free Personal Nurse Program – Telehealth Appointments Now Available

Telehealth & Virtual Home Visits

Who Can Get a Free Nurse

How Your Nurse Can Help

Family and Friends are Welcome

Hear from Moms on Bright Start

How to Sign Up

Bright Start

Bright Start’s Free Personal Nurse Program – Telehealth Appointments Now Available

Telehealth & Virtual Home Visits

Who Can Get a Free Nurse

How Your Nurse Can Help

Family and Friends are Welcome

Hear from Moms on Bright Start

How to Sign Up

Other Programs

Referral

Baby Care

WIC: Women, Infants, and Children’s Program

Immunizations