November is National Prematurity Awareness Month. While both of my babies decided to take their time coming into this world (I delivered at almost 42 weeks each time), not all expectant mothers are that lucky. The CDC states that one out of every eight babies born in this country is born premature. While this doesn’t seam like a lot, these babies make up a large percentage of infant deaths.
Dr Sam Ho, the chief medical officer for United Health care, wrote about the dangers associated with delivering before 39 weeks in his article, “National Prematurity Awareness Month: A Time to Talk About the Risks Associated with Delivering Babies Before 39 Weeks”.
The potential complications involved with elective childbirth before 39 weeks are very real, yet some first-time mothers may be unaware of the risks. Babies born before 39 weeks are more likely to have respiratory problems and developmental delays, according to numerous published studies.
A review of claims data by UnitedHealthcare showed that 48 percent of newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at select hospitals were from scheduled admissions for delivery – many before 39 weeks of gestation. By being scheduled, or electively induced, these deliveries were prevented from progressing to full term. After sharing these findings, physicians and hospitals altered practice patterns and realized a 46-percent decrease in NICU admissions in the first three months.
The Untied States is ranked worst in industrialized countries when it comes to premature births (according to the March Of Dimes). Recognizing the need to help change these statistics, many new mobile apps have been launched to help pregnant and new mothers. For example, UnitedHealthcare’s Baby Blocks is a mobile incentive program now available to Medicaid beneficiaries in 14 states and people enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans. Users access interactive “baby blocks” via the app on their iPhones and Android smartphones that show their prenatal visit. Users can then earn rewards for following a prenatal- and postnatal-visit schedule, including gift cards, toys and diapers. Things all new parents need!
Encouraging a healthy and full-term pregnancy is the responsibility of all parents and health care professionals, and technology is helping make that possible. The last few weeks of pregnancy are the hardest. You’re anxious and uncomfortable. However expectant parents should take the opportunity to learn just how important the last few weeks are for their baby’s development and health. You want to do everything possible to insure your babies health so don’t rush them.
MORE ABOUT BABY BLOCKS
Moms who enroll in Baby Blocks can earn rewards for completing prenatal, postpartum and healthy-baby appointments. You are going to go to these appointments anyway so get rewarded for doing something healthy for yourself and your baby! Users access interactive “baby blocks” via the app on their iPhones and Android smartphones that shows their prenatal visits, and opportunities to earn rewards for following a prenatal and postnatal visit schedule. Users receive email appointment alerts and wellness-related text messages, connect directly with maternity nurses and earn rewards for keeping the appointments. Some rewards include gift cards to retail outlets and baby related items such as teething rings, diaper bags, and thermometers. Check with your insurance carrier to see if Building Blocks is available in your area.
Disclosure: This post may include sponsored posts, affiliated links or reviews. All opinions expressed are my own.
This look like a super neat app! So glad to see it is available to medicad and other insurances. My youngest was 6 weeks premature and not anything I would ever wish on anyone. That was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. It’s so important to take care of yourself when pregnant!
What a great incentive program! This will definitely help expectant moms keep organized when it comes to appointments, health tips and more!
This is an awesome app to have thanks for sharing.
Such a cool app! Going to share with my preggo friends!
Love saving moeny. Thanks fo rposting.. gonna check this out
Money** for posting*
I’ll be sharing this app with my preggo and newborn mommy friends. It’s pretty neat.
This looks like such a helpful app for expectant mommies!