In Catawba County, minority populations have a higher percentage of delivering low birth weight babies (less than 5 lbs., 8 oz.).  African Americans are more likely to have a very low birth weight baby (less than 3 lbs., 3 oz.) and are less likely to initiate prenatal care in the first trimester.

Low birth weight, often the result of inadequate prenatal care, is the leading cause of infant mortality.   In a cooperative effort between Catawba County Public Health and Catawba Valley Medical Center, a prenatal care program has been established to provide access to care for low-income women in Catawba County and surrounding areas.

Through this initiative, nurse midwives from Catawba Valley Medical Center provide prenatal care at the health department and assist with deliveries at the medical center.  Women who qualify for the program receive comprehensive prenatal care, including general pregnancy needs and regular prenatal exams. Physicians at Catawba Women’s Center provide additional consultation and medical support as may be needed, particularly with high-risk cases.

The involvement of the nurse midwives is centered on continuity.  They practice a very specific standard of care, making it easier for patients to know what to expect throughout the process.  Patients get to know all the nurse midwives during prenatal appointments and are able to see a familiar face in the delivery room. 

Case management is provided by Public Health maternity care coordinators, who oversee a patient’s needs from her first appointment through eight weeks post-delivery.  These coordinators help increase the chances for a healthy baby by identifying and resolving problems that could adversely affect the baby at every stage of development.

“This program reduces the risk of underinsured or uninsured women delivering babies without any prior prenatal care,” said Sarah Lawson, Clinical Health Services Nursing Supervisor for Catawba County Public Health.  “We provide a high standard of prenatal care for expectant mothers, from a positive pregnancy test through delivery and postpartum.  We also provide translation services, which are not commonly available in private practices.”

“Together with Catawba Valley Medical Center, we provide a high standard of prenatal care for expectant mothers, from a positive pregnancy test through delivery and postpartum.” ~ Sarah Lawson, Clinical Health Services Nursing Supervisor, Catawba County Public Health