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Pregnant? Complete a Healthy Start screening.

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Pregnant woman talking to woman taking notes
In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. What services could be available to you after your Healthy Start Screening?
2. What questions are asked in the screening?
3. How can you learn more about the screening and services?

Every OB-GYN in Florida is required to offer a Healthy Start Screening when you are pregnant. The screening identifies potential risks for you and your baby, using a simple form that only takes a few minutes to complete. Your answers are confidential and filling out the form let's you know of any services you may be eligible for. 

After taking the screening, your doctor’s office could refer you to Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County to talk about free services available for your family. The screening also is important because the data helps improve the system of care for ALL moms and babies in Palm Beach County.

1. WHAT SERVICES COUNCIL BE AVAILABLE TO YOU AFTER SCREEENING?

• Information and referral to one of the 32 Healthy Beginnings programs in Palm Beach County, funded by Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, that are available to pregnant women and families with young children.
• Ongoing care coordination and support to assure access to needed services.
• Nutritional and smoking cessation counseling.
• Childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting support and education.
• Home visits by nurses.
• CenteringPregnancy, a proven prenatal care program that provides groups of moms with medical care, education and social support.

2. WHAT QUESTIONS ARE ASKED DURING THE SCREENING?

• Have you graduated from high school or received a GED? Yes or no. 
• Are you married now? Yes or no. 
• Are there any children at home younger than 5 years old? Yes or no. 
• Are there any children at home with medical or special needs? Yes or no. 
• Is this a good time for you to be pregnant? Yes or no. 
• In the last month, have you felt down, depressed or hopeless? Yes or no. 
• In the last month, have you felt alone when facing problems? Yes or no. 
• Have you ever received mental health services or counseling? Yes or no. 
• In the last year, has someone you know tried to hurt you or threaten you? Yes or no. 
• Do you have trouble paying your bills? Yes or no. 
• What race are you? This question is important because there are significant differences in birth outcomes based on race and/or ethnicity.
• In the last month, how many alcoholic drinks did you have per week? 
• In the last month, how many cigarettes did you smoke a day? 
• Thinking back to just before you got pregnant, did you want to be pregnant now, pregnant later or not pregnant?
• Is this your first pregnancy?
• Please mark any of the following that have happened: 
    a. Had a baby who was not born alive. 
    b. Had a baby born three weeks or more before due date. 
    c. Had a baby who weighed less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.

3. HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HEALTHY START RISK SCREEN OR SERVICES?

To learn more about the Healthy Start Screening and services available to you, call Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County at 561-623-2806.
 

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