ATLANTA—The state Department of Community Health’s Maternal and Child Health Program is taking steps to improve birth outcomes in Georgia by serving as an outreach partner for Text4baby. Text4baby is a free mobile information service that provides timely health information to pregnant women and new moms during pregnancy and through a baby’s first year.  

 

Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish), receive three free SMS text messages each week timed to their due date or baby’s date of birth. These messages focus on a variety of topics critical to maternal and child health, including birth defects prevention, immunization, nutrition, seasonal flu, mental health, oral health and safe sleep. Text4baby messages also connect women to prenatal and infant care services and other resources.

 

“We are proud to be a part of Text4baby,” said Brian Castrucci, director of DCH’s Maternal and Child Health Program. “Mobile health services around the world have demonstrated the ability to help change patient behavior and improve health outcomes. We believe that this program can have a significant impact on maternal and child health throughout Georgia.”

 

In 2007, 21,256 babies were born premature in Georgia and an estimated 1,198 infants died before their first birthday.