Planning Pregnancy
YouFirst offers resources to assist you in preparing for pregnancy, which starts with prioritizing your health. There are things you need to do now so you’re well prepared when you become pregnant.
Services available through YouFirst to support your journey toward becoming pregnant include:
Pregnancy tests provide confirmation if you’re trying to conceive a baby. This tracks your progress and take the right steps at the right time, including seeing an OB/GYN and other appropriate healthcare providers.
Pregnancy Testing
Wellness examinations ensure that your body is in optimal health before trying to conceive and identify any potential issues that could affect your pregnancy. Regular check-ups give you the opportunity to address health concerns early, promoting a healthier pregnancy journey.
Wellness Examinations
Addressing previous pregnancy complications ensures you understand your health history and any steps needed to reduce risks in future pregnancies. By taking action on past issues, you can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy and better outcomes for you and your baby.
Addressing Previous Pregnancy Complications and Outcomes
Safer sex supplies, like condoms, allow you to better choose when you are ready to become pregnant, helping you plan when the time is right for a healthy pregnancy. Condoms and other safer sex supplies also avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can negatively affect your health and the health of your new baby.
Safer Sex Supplies
STI and HIV testing ensure you're aware of your sexual health, which is important for a healthy pregnancy and protecting your baby. Early treatment of STIs and HIV can help prevent transmission to your baby and reduce complications, giving you the best chance for a healthy pregnancy.
STI and HIV Testing and Treatment
Managing chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension before pregnancy reduces the risk of complications such as preterm birth or gestational diabetes. By keeping these conditions under control, you support both your health and the health of your baby.
Management of Chronic Diseases, such as Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension
Proper nutrition and exercise help you maintain a healthy weight and provide the nutrients your body needs for a healthy pregnancy. Staying active and eating a balanced diet will improve your fertility and set the stage for a healthy pregnancy and a smooth recovery afterward.
Nutrition and Exercise Support
Healthy Relationship Support
Healthy relationships are crucial for emotional well-being, providing you with support as you navigate the path to pregnancy. Having a supportive partner and strong communication helps reduce stress and create a positive environment for conception and pregnancy.
Immunizations
Immunizations protect you from preventable diseases that could impact your health and/or your ability to carry a pregnancy to full term. Staying up-to-date with vaccines ensures your immune system is strong, reducing the risk of illness that could interfere with your pregnancy. It also sets up your newborn for a healthy start to life.
Reducing or eliminating tobacco, alcohol, and substance use improves your fertility and reduces the risks of complications during pregnancy. Taking care of your body before conception supports a healthier pregnancy, minimizes risks to your baby, and sets the foundation for long-term health.
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Use Reduction
Mental health referrals provide support to manage stress, anxiety, or any other challenges, ensuring you’re mentally prepared for pregnancy. Addressing mental health needs help to promote a healthy mindset, making it easier to enjoy the experience of pregnancy and motherhood.
Mental Health Referrals
Referrals for Employment, School, or Housing
Assistance with employment, school, and housing ensures you have the stability and resources you need while preparing for pregnancy. With these supports in place, you can focus on your health and well-being, reducing stress and setting a positive foundation for pregnancy and beyond.
Referrals to prenatal care providers ensures you will receive early and consistent care needed for a healthy pregnancy, including screenings, education, and guidance. Access to prenatal resources gives you the support and information necessary for a smooth and informed pregnancy journey.
Referrals for Prenatal Care and Resources