Know the Maternal Warning Signs
It Could Help Save a Life
When a pregnant or postpartum individual says something doesn’t feel right—we need to listen. Speaking up and being heard can save lives. Whether it’s an unusual symptom or a concern about the environment, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
When she speaks up, hear her—and take action.
Are you or someone you care about currently pregnant or have been pregnant in the past year? Discover the urgent maternal warning signs you need to be aware of.
Do you provide healthcare and supportive services to individuals who are pregnant or have been pregnant in the past year? Learn how listening for urgent maternal warning signs can save lives.
PREGNANT OR DELIVERED IN THE PAST YEAR?
Do you or your partner ever feel like something doesn’t feel quite right during the pregnancy or with how your body is feeling, but you're unsure if you should contact the doctor?
Do you or your partner ever worry about "bothering" your doctor by asking too many questions?
Do you or your partner ever feel overwhelmed by all the information available and unsure of who to listen to?
Do you or your partner ever wonder if not feeling well almost a year after delivery could somehow be related to the pregnancy?
THIS INFORMATION IS FOR YOU!
You know your body best. Click here to find out if what you are feeling is a sign of something more.
YOU'RE EXPECTING
Congratulations!
Pregnancy can be both a memorable and daunting experience, often bringing hopes and dreams to the forefront for ourselves and our families. The Cooperative is here to support those hopes and dreams with information, programs and services. We send our sincere best wishes and hope to become your partner in achieving a healthy birth.
There are many local resources available to help you throughout your pregnancy and after giving birth. Here are a few places to get started:
-
Connecting NJ offers referrals and support from home visiting programs to community-based resources such as WIC and parent support groups.
-
Healthy Women, Healthy Families offers case management, postpartum doula services and breastfeeding support to individuals and families across South Jersey.
-
Prematurity Prevention Initiative provides tips and information to help you prepare for a healthy birth and understand the signs of preterm birth. This prenatal schedule guide will help you plan your birth journey and how often you will visit your prenatal care provider.
-
Project Embrace is a maternal wraparound program for pregnant individuals who struggle with substance use and addiction. The program combines intensive case management and recovery support services for individuals during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth. Services are free, voluntary and available throughout South Jersey.
-
Community doulas play an important role in improving birth outcomes, especially for individuals of color, by providing culturally responsive care, advocacy and support throughout pregnancy and postpartum. To learn more about accessing a doula in South Jersey, contact doulalearningc@thecooperative.org.
Not sure if what you are feeling is “right”? Click here to learn about urgent maternal warning signs and get tips for discussing your concerns with your provider.
African American people face unique challenges that can affect their pregnancies. Understanding these risks and discussing them with your healthcare provider is essential for having a healthy and successful pregnancy. To support those most impacted, we have compiled a list of resources, tools and support services for African American individuals who are pregnant or have been pregnant in the past year. These resources are provided by The Cooperative and trusted partner organizations working to advance birth equity both locally and nationally.
Explore Resources and Support
-
The Prematurity Prevention Initiative provides a list of suggested questions to guide your next prenatal visit.
-
The National Black Equity Collaborative is dedicated to ensuring optimal birth conditions for everyone, with a commitment to addressing racial and social inequities through sustained efforts.
-
Camden Healthy Start provides case management, mental health support, baby supplies and other resources for pregnant individuals and families with children up to 12 months old who live in Camden. The program places a special focus on supporting Black birthing families and addressing the health disparities that affect infants and birthing individuals.
-
Melinated Moms is a community-based membership organization for moms and women of color.
-
In Our Voice is a national-state partnership focused on amplifying the voices Black women leaders at both national and regional levels in the fight to secure reproductive justice for all.
We encourage you to share these resources within your communities and networks, and to join us in the collective effort to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for all pregnant and postpartum individuals.
AFTER PREGNANCY
The postpartum period can be physically and emotionally challenging for any family. Below are resources to help identify signs of severe postpartum health complications and to support you during this time.
Connecting NJ provides referrals to health and social services that meet an individual's or family's specific needs. This service is free, confidential, multilingual and open to anyone living in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden and Cape May Counties.
Family Connects NJ is a nurse home visitation program serving parents and caregivers of newborns in Cumberland and Gloucester Counties.
NJ Early Intervention System is New Jersey's statewide system of services for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families.
Mom's Quit Connection for Families
Free and individualized support for pregnant individuals, parents and caregivers of children 8 years old and younger.
Quit for Kids is a free texting program for pregnant and parenting individuals, new parents, family members and others caring for or living with children under 8 years old who want help to stop smoking or vaping.
Postpartum Wellness Initiative serves pregnant and postpartum individuals in South Jersey, offering telephone support and referrals as well as group support and education for the community. Individuals can access services by calling the Postpartum Wellness Initiative warmline at 856-675-5295. The warmline is a free, confidential telephone call-back service.
Stillbirth: Can Happen to Any Pregnancy is New Jersey’s first, fully-dedicated stillbirth resource for parents and healthcare providers.
Postpartum Support International provides free, virtual support groups in multiple languages and access to non-emergent perinatal mental health support and resources.
Three Little Birds Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support provides immediate and long-term support to families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss through various peer-assisted programs and services.
Still not feeling quite "right”? Listen to your body! Click here to learn about pregnancy-related warning signs that could happen even a year after birth.
FATHERS AND PARTNERS
Fathers and partners play a crucial role throughout pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. Being aware of urgent maternal warning signs can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both mom and baby.
Your Health Matters
A partner’s health is just as important as that of the pregnant individual during and after pregnancy. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! It’s important to prioritize your health while supporting your pregnant partner. Here are some wellness tips for your amazing journey to parenthood:
-
Quit smoking! Mom's Quit Connection for Families can help you on your quit journey.
-
Surround yourself with support. Being a parent is hard work. Get your team lined up to help you be the best you can be in your new role.
-
Meet other fathers and partners. Camden Healthy Start offers virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with other fathers and partners.
WELCOME MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
You play a crucial role in protecting individuals who are pregnant or have given birth in the past year from urgent health crises. Make sure to ask your patients or clients if they are pregnant or have been pregnant in the past year, and then LISTEN for urgent maternal warning signs.
Resources to help you communicate about urgent maternal warning signs:
Learn more about our programs that support pregnant and postpartum patients and their families:
Prematurity Prevention Initiative
Mom's Quit Connection for Families
Clinical & Professional Education
Interested in scheduling a presentation for your organization? Please complete this form.
