Pregnancy sets the stage for a child’s growth and development. The perinatal period begins as soon as a woman is pregnant and lasts up to a year after giving birth. The postpartum period begins after the baby is born and lasts 12 months. Mothers should get quality health care during both periods. It is also important to address a mother’s mental health before and after a child’s birth.
Every Head Start program can support expectant families, but Early Head Start (EHS) programs may enroll pregnant women in their home-based program option if their community assessment data show that expectant families would benefit from these services.
EHS programs that enroll pregnant women must document the services they give directly or arrange through referrals to community partners. The Office of Head Start’s 2022 Information Memorandum offers best practices in tracking and documenting services to enrolled pregnant women delivered directly by EHS programs and by community partners.
EHS programs can support the physical health, oral health, mental health, and nutrition of pregnant women. Community assessment data can help programs design services to meet the needs of the families they serve. EHS programs that enroll pregnant women must also plan to continue services until the child is 3.
Planning the transition to the right program option should begin when the pregnant woman enrolls. Near the end of pregnancy and after the baby is born, staff partner with the family to decide the best time to enroll the child.
See Services to Pregnant Women and Expectant Families in Early Head Start for strategies on continuity of services from pregnancy to the program.
Head Start Health Services Competencies
- CFH-29 S Collect and use child and family health history, including current health needs, to help children and families achieve optimal wellness.
- CFH-30 S Facilitate comprehensive services including appropriate education, information, support, and referrals for prenatal and postpartum women, fathers, and significant family members.
- CFH-31 S For enrolled pregnant women, develop a plan for the two-week newborn visit to offer support and identify family needs.
- CFH-32 S Assure that programs implement and inform staff and families about safe sleep practices for infants.
Performance Standards Related to Enrolled Pregnant Women
Social Determinants of Health Considerations
The social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play. They affect a wide range of health and quality-of life-risks and outcomes. SDOH include health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, education access and quality, economic stability, and social and community context.
The United States has one of the highest maternal death rates among the wealthiest nations. Some of the SDOH factors that contribute to these deaths are limited access to prenatal care and birthing centers. Some communities have challenges finding and keeping maternal health care providers, which also makes it difficult for expectant families to find care.
Learn More
