What is KY-Moms Maternal Assistance Toward Recovery?
The KY Moms Maternal Assistance Towards Recovery program welcomes all women who are pregnant or who have just delivered in the past two months. There is a workshop hosted by KY Moms Maternal Assistance Towards Recovery that is held monthly at local health departments, hospitals, wellness centers, and Cooperative Extension Offices. There are nine different counties that receive services, Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken. The Healthy Pregnancy Workshop is a one-time workshop that takes two hours. Each participant will receive incentives for attending. All eligible participants will receive important information on avoiding hazards while pregnant, depression, and unhealthy relationships. Participants may bring guests with them to the class.
For women whom meet criteria for a substance use disorder, case management is provided along with interventions intended to engage them in treatment services. Case management is available throughout the length of pregnancy until 60 days postpartum with the KY-Moms program. Services are provided free of charge.
Risk Factors
There are many problems that can occur during pregnancy and many factors that cause problems. These include:
- Stress
- Poor Nutrition
- Tobacco Use
- Drug and Alcohol Use
- Depression or Anxiety
- Domestic Violence
- Lack of prenatal care
Potential Problems
When mothers experience even one of the Risk Factors outlined in this brochure, the potential problems the baby could face are numerous.
Unborn babies and babies in their first few months of life can have issues such as:
- Poor Growth
- Premature birth weight or low birth weight
- Eating and sleeping problems
- Developmental Delays
- Excessive Crying
- Learning Disabilities
Did You know?
National and local surveys show that nearly 10% of pregnant women will use illicit drugs during their pregnancy. Almost twice as many will use alcohol and at least 25% of pregnant women in Kentucky will smoke cigarettes. Substance abuse during pregnancy occurs at nearly equal rates across all races and income levels. Even if a woman uses alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs throughout her pregnancy, regular prenatal care can still greatly increase the chances of having a healthy baby. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the leading known cause for mental defects. It occurs more frequently than any other known causes such as Down Syndrome, and is 100% preventable.