Kern Family Health Care | Family Health | Spring 2020

FAMILY HEALTH 6 KFHC office address: 2900 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93308 IF YOU GAVE BIRTH THIS YEAR , you may be eligible for a $30 gift card. Visit your doctor 1 to 12 weeks after delivery for a postpartum checkup to receive a gift card in the mail. Postpartum and mental health Many women get the baby blues soon after childbirth. You may feel moody and weepy for no reason. These blues go away fairly fast. But postpartum depression (PPD) Pregnancy concerns Pregnancy is a special time for mom and baby. Concerns can also take over as mom’s body changes. KFHC’s pregnant moms have shared these concerns: y  y Abdominal (belly) pain. y  y Contractions. y  y Low back pain. y  y Vaginal bleeding and discharge*. y  y Vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach. The increased amount of hormones and the growth of the uterus (womb) and baby may create these symptoms. Moms may find relief by eating smaller meals and more often. Drinking plenty of fluids and staying active can help. Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes can also help. If any of these is severe or very painful, talk to your doctor right away. Have someone to talk to The Public Health Services Department has programs to help moms during their pregnancy journey. Call 661-321-3000 to ask about their Black Infant Health, Nurse- Family Partnership or Perinatal Outreach Programs. *Vaginal discharge that is clear, white, and sticky is normal during pregnancy. Light vaginal bleeding and spotting is also common. Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Kern County Public Health Services, March of Dimes KICK COUNTS Between 16 and 22 weeks, you may begin to feel your baby move! It may begin as a flutter and progress to “kicks.” At each visit, ask your doctor how much baby should be kicking and how to count kicks. months later. Treatment can help you find relief. When PPD is not treated, it can affect your ability to care for your baby. It is crucial to tell your doctor right away if there’s any chance you have PPD. Don’t wait for your next checkup. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Office on Women’s Health is very different. It can be a serious illness. PPD can cause intense feelings of: y  y Sadness. y  y Hopelessness. y  y Anxiety. y  y Guilt. These feelings can start at any time after giving birth, even