Pregnancy Health and Information
Anyone who is pregnant is at some risk for preterm birth. For most people this risk is about or below 1 in 10.
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Given that all women are at some risk for preterm birth, it is important to be aware of early signs of premature labor. Medications and other interventions are available to help mothers that go into labor early and their babies. It is also important to be aware of Urgent Maternal Warning Signs that require immediate medical attention.
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There are a number of online sources for pregnancy-related health information.
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Have a Healthy Pregnancy is one such source from the US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (English and Spanish).
Additional information about pregnancy health and exposures can be found through the MotherToBaby website. People in the United States and Canada can also call them with questions toll-free at: 1-866-626-6847 or text them at 1-855-999-3525. You can also email an expert through their site or chat live with an expert (English and Spanish).
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It is recommended that anyone who is pregnant be in contact with a health provider who can help provide them get personalized care while pregnant as well as during and after delivery.
If you are not pregnant but trying and would like to get information related to fertility and fertility treatment there are number of public health and non-profit entities who provide in-depth information that may be useful to you. One source is the CDC and its reproductive health section which provides detailed information related to infertility​ including answers to a number of questions related to causes of infertility in women and men. The US Department of Health and Human Services also provides an in-depth introduction to fertility on their website​. Another useful resource is the March of Dimes which also provides an overview of fertility, infertility, and treatments available. As with all health problems, your best source of information is your health provider who can help you determine your own specific best course of action based on your personalized health profile.
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Help from Your Local Health Program
Most local health departments in the United States have programs designed to help pregnant people and families find community based resources.
The National Association of County Health Officials (NACCHO) has created a search tool that allows users to enter their zipcode to find their local health department (English only).
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The Indian Health Service also has a search tool that can be used to find Indian Health Service, Tribal, or Urban Indian Health Program facilities by entering a zipcode or address (English only).
Other Zipcode Search Tools: Medical Help, Housing, Food Assistance and More
Findhelp.org allows users to enter their zipcode to find local assistance including care, housing, food, and other free or low-cost assistance. Just enter your zipcode on the main screen and then select the types of services or help you are looking for from the website banner (available in Spanish and many other languages).
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The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a resource for finding healthcare facilities and clinics, food banks and pantries, shelters, and free clothing. Enter an address or ZIP code to find local services (English only)
Mental Health and Well Being
A number of resources are available to help you better understand your mental health and get help if needed.
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A great resource is Mental Health America which provides self screening tools for a number of conditions and provides a wealth of resources for finding help and care.
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Postpartum Support International provides a number of resources for connecting pregnant and recently pregnant people with help and resources for managing mental health concerns and conditions.
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Local mental health services can also be found through the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSAs) confidential Helpline at: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a hotline attended 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with referrals to local resources (English and Spanish).
Online behavioral resources can also be found by entering your address or ZIP code on the SAMHSA website (English Only).
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Please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you feel like you may be in danger of hurting yourself or if someone you know is in similar danger. This hotline is managed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All conversations are confidential (English and Spanish).
Domestic and Family Violence
Confidential help can be accessed through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at: 1-800-799-7233. More information and resources can be found on their website (English and Spanish).
Use of the National Domestic Violence Hotline is confidential and can be done by phone, by text, on by online messaging (all with anonymous options if preferred).
Help with Smoking, Alcohol, and Other Substance Use
Smoke free has a Quit for Two resource page with links to programs that can help a person quit smoking or vaping nicotine at any time before, during, or after pregnancy. Resources include online chat and other assistance.
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Local substance abuse services can be found through the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSAs) confidential Helpline at: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a hotline attended 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with referrals to local resources (English and Spanish).
Online behavioral resources can also be found by entering your address or ZIP code on the SAMHSA website (English Only).
Breastfeeding
The US Office on Women's Health (OWH) maintains resource pages focused on breastfeeding that includes information on it's benefits, on decision making, on pumping, on return to work, and on a number of other issues related to breastfeeding (English and Spanish).
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OWH also maintains a helpline for helping women and birthing people with breastfeeding that is available Monday-Friday from 9:00-6:00 EST in English and Spanish (toll free 1-800-994-9662).
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Breastfeeding information and support can also be found through local, state, and national Special Supplemental Nutrition Program's for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Breastfeeding resources through the national WIC program can be found HERE.
Infant and Newborn Care
The National Library of Medicine provides up-to-date information about newborn and infant care. This includes information on a broad range of topics like breastfeeding and sleep as well as on development and illness (English and Spanish).
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It is recommended that all newborns and infants have a pediatrician who they are in regular contact with who can provide specialized care if and as needed.
COVID-19
Up-to-date information about COVID-19 including about how to best prevent infection and about how to best care for yourself and others if infected can be found through the CDC (English, Spanish, and other languages).
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If you have not yet been vaccinated or received a booster and would like to be, in the United States you can find a local, free, vaccination site at: vaccines.gov (enter your zip code and local sites will be displayed - English and Spanish). Vaccination against the COVID-19 virus has been shown to be safe during pregnancy and is recommended.
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COVID-19 testing is now widely available across the US and elsewhere. In the US this testing is available in clinics, in the community, and via in-home testing kits. If you live in the United States, you can also enter your full address into this tool to find some other testing options near you (English only). Testing is recommended if you have a fever at or above 100.4F and have a cough or sore throat and are not vaccinated or if you have been exposed to someone who has had a positive test. You can now also order home tests directly from the US government at COVIDtests.gov. The limit is four tests per household with delivery in about 14 days (English, Spanish, and other languages).