How Head Start Services Can Improve Birth Outcomes
This resource helps Head Start staff take steps to help pregnant and postpartum women achieve healthier and safer pregnancies.
Pregnancy
A healthy pregnancy has a lasting influence on a child's health and development. Help families get a head start during pregnancy. Discover resources your Head Start or Early Head Start (EHS) program can use to serve and engage expectant families. Topics include what to expect during pregnancy, infant care, and the transition to parenthood.
Services to Pregnant Women and Expectant Families in Early Head Start
Review the Head Start Program Performance Standards for Early Head Start programs related to enrolling pregnant women and expectant families.
Community Partners for Serving Expectant Families
When a baby is on the way, family needs become more complex. A network of community partners can help.
Services to Pregnant Women and Expectant Families After a Loss
Explore ways to develop policy that informs a program's plan to offer ongoing and individualized support to families experiencing pregnancy loss.
Engaging Expectant Families, Including Fathers
Early Head Start (EHS) staff engage pregnant mothers and expectant families as they prepare for their new baby. Connecting families to comprehensive prenatal care, such as nutrition education, oral health care, and mental health supports, is all part of the process. This includes engaging fathers from the beginning. Understanding what to expect during pregnancy and after the birth can help young families feel better prepared to face parenthood.
Pregnancy
Find resources to help early childhood programs serve pregnant women and expectant families.
Resources to Share with Expectant Families
Explore and share these tip sheets and other resources for expectant families.
The Newborn Visit: Information for Early Head Start Staff
Use this tip sheet to understand the purpose, timing, and goals of the newborn visit. Early Head Start staff will also find strategies for making the most of the visit.
Getting Oral Health Care While You Are Pregnant
It’s important for women to get oral health care during pregnancy. Getting oral health care, including cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and pain medication, is safe during pregnancy.
Taking Care of Your Oral Health When You Are Pregnant
It is important for pregnant women to take care of their oral health. Practicing good oral hygiene, eating healthy foods, and getting oral health care help keep a woman’s mouth and teeth healthy during pregnancy.