Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi

Give Your Baby a Healthy Start

Welcoming a new baby to your family is a time for celebration. And preparing for a baby begins even before you become pregnant because having a healthy pregnancy depends a lot on being healthy beforehand.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is partnering with its Network Providers, the March of Dimes, the Mississippi Department of Health and others to reduce the frequency of early term deliveries without medical reason. The 39 Weeks Initiative works to support expectant mothers in having a healthy, full-term pregnancy, reduce risks of complications during childbirth and to give new babies a healthy start in life.

Before pregnancy
Preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy is an important step in having a healthy baby. Eating a healthy diet , regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco use and other harmful substances are key elements in supporting a healthy pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, it's important to have a wellness visit with your Network Provider to ensure you're in good health to support a healthy pregnancy.

During pregnancy
During your pregnancy, it's important to take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and other harmful substances. You should also keep regular appointments with your Network Obstetrician who will help you maintain a proper diet, weight and monitor any potential health conditions that can arise. Following your Network Provider's advice and staying healthy can help give you and your baby the best possible outcome and support a full-term delivery.

Benefits of Waiting

The trend has become increasingly common for expectant mothers to schedule early deliveries due to non-medical reasons, including convenience, discomfort and a variety of other reasons. Health experts agree that it's best for mother and baby to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks. It's also best to wait until you go into labor naturally if you have a healthy pregnancy. Babies born before 39 weeks are at higher risk of health complication s including vision and hearing problems and low birth weight. Babies born after 39 weeks of gestation have more time for their brains, lungs and liver to properly develop.

Give your baby the best possible start to life by having a healthy pregnancy that lasts at least 39 weeks, if possible. Talk to your Network Provider about any concerns you may have and create a plan for a healthy pregnancy.

Learn more about having a healthy pregnancy and baby from the March of Dimes.

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