Perinatal Conditions

Why are perinatal conditions a focus area?

There are many risk factors that place a pregnancy in danger. These include:

• Stress
• Chronic disease
• Smoking
• Substance abuse
• Maternal age/health
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Multiple pregnancies such as twins or triplets
• Short pregnancy intervals with frequent pregnancies

These risk factors were shown to be present in a nearly half (46%) of perinatal conditions-related deaths of Black children in studies conducted the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services. While these numbers vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and across time periods, there is a general need to mitigate these risks through positive interventions, workshops and educational resources that support Black families during and immediately after pregnancy.

The best way to prevent perinatal conditions-related infant deaths is by making sure that mothers have the care and resources necessary to take care of themselves. Some actions that can be taken during pregnancy include:

• Start prenatal care in the first three months of pregnancy and attend prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy
• See a dentist before and during pregnancy
• Take prenatal vitamins
• Ask the prenatal care provider before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Do not drink alcohol, smoke any type of cigarettes or use illicit drugs
• Find ways to reduce stress
• Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods

BCLC serves new and expecting mothers in Sacramento.