This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Discovery Familia. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Being pregnant is one of the most important times of a woman’s life. Para nosotras las hispanas no es diferente, (for hispanic women it is no different). But why aren’t we taking care of ourselves like we should?! The first three months of pre-natal care are just as important as the last six months of pregnancy. I’m proud to be a part of this campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Discovery Familia to bring awareness to the importance of prenatal care.
One of the thing I’m very excited to share with you is the special programming, by Discovery Familia. The month of March has been deemed the month focusing on prenatal health care for Hispanic women in the United States. The premiere of Embarazadas Sin Control on March 15th at 10PM EST/PST. The show follows a team of women embarking on a tough goal—to convince a group of pregnant women with bad habits (such as over-eating, drinking and smoking) to change their lifestyles before giving birth. When I was learning about this program, I was astounded to see that pregnant women aren’t take care of themselves and their unborn babies as they should be. “rapid increase of the Hispanic population in the United States, it is estimated that 25% of Hispanic women don’t receive prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy.” -This can’t be happening!
I think about when I was pregnant the first and second time. How I found out about seven weeks into the pregnancies both times, via an at home pregnancy test. The first thing I did the next business day was call my OB/GYN for a confirmation blood test and the pre-natal planning began. I have never been an active smoker or drinker so those vices were never any of my concern. My only concern was of my unborn babies. How to keep them safe, how to prolong gestation and bring into the world little humans that would be healthy.
This is a picture of my sister and I after we completed a 5k in 2011 while I was pregnant. I was four months along at this point. Fitness has always been a constant in my life and it didn’t stop with pregnancy. 
“Continuing its commitment to act as a positive force in the lives of Hispanic women and support their efforts to care for their families, Discovery Familia launches CAMINO AL BIENESTAR, a year-round initiative offering resources and advice about a variety of health and well-being topics, including prevention, alternative medicine, nutrition and physical activities.” Each month a new topic is presented and focused on the Hispanic culture.
Here’s a glimpse of the educational segments offered in collaboration with the March of Dimes. “The initiative includes a special collaboration with the March of Dimes foundation, public service announcements delivered by actress and songstress Thalía, and a series of educational segments hosted by Dr. Selene Velasco, Discovery Familia’s health expert, as well as special programming and specific information regarding prenatal care which will be available online at caminobienestar.com.“
Dr. Selene Velasco
Dr. Selene Velasco is Discovery Familia’s health expert and host of the network’s informative capsules Camino al bienestar. She brings to Discovery Familia years of experience in the field of general medicine with specialties in Nutrition and Chronic Diseases (diabetes and hypertension). She completed her degree in Family Medicine, with a special interest in women’s health, at UCLA. She has also practiced international medicine and was at the epicenter of the H1N1 influenza outbreak in Mexico City, where she has traveled frequently to provide primary care to underserved communities.
Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Dr. Selene is now a professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine as well as the Family Medicine Residency program, with a permanent position at the Los Angeles Department of Health Services.
I’m glad you’re working to bring awareness to this! Prenatal care is so important.
I learned that Hispanic women have a higher probability of suffering from certain health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight and obese.
I learned Babies born to mothers who receive prenatal care early and regularly are more likely to be born healthy and full-term babies of mothers who do not receive prenatal care or receive it later.
I learned babies that receive prenatal care are more likely to be born healthy.
I learned that Hispanic women have a higher probability health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight and obese
I learned that Caminoalbienestar is a website for pregnant Spanish speakers with nice pictures.
I learned that receiving prenatal care reduces the chance that the baby with have health complications.
I learned babies that receive prenatal care are more likely to be born healthy
Oh what a refreshing cause! Good for you for supporting it!
I learned that the glucose test is done between weeks 24-28.
I learned premature birth can happen to any woman.
healthy babies are more likely
I learned that mothers who receive prenatal care early are more likely to be born healthy & full-term babies then ones who don’t.
I was reminded of the importance of prenatal care throughout a pregnancy for the health of both the mother and the baby
I learned that Dr. Velasco has a website that talks about prenatal care in Spanish which is very important like nutrition 🙂
That prenatal care reduces the risk of health complications for the baby.
The amount of calories you need per day depends on your age and how much exercise you get. Limit intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt) and foods with added sugar.
I learned that Hispanic women have a higher probability of suffering from certain health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight and obese.
Prenatal care has changed alot since I had kids
I learned that receiving prenatal care reduces the chance that the baby with have health complications.
prenatal care is a corner stone in health baby and pregnancy !!
Prenatal care is so important for the mother and the baby !
I learned that Mothers that get early prenatal care typically have healthier / full term babies.
Doing prenatal care is so beneficial for baby and mom general health
I learned that babies are born healthier if the mother receives prenatal care.
I’m glad you’re working to bring awareness to this! Prenatal care is so important. Babies born to mothers who receive prenatal care early and regularly are more likely to be born healthy and full-term than babies of mothers who do not receive prenatal care or receive it later.
There should be more awareness regarding this subject !!
I learned that its important to know your vitamin needs like folic acid.
Hispanic women HAVE SOME GREATER RISKS, PRENATAL IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN IT WAS WHEN I WAS EXPECTING
I learned that Hispanic women have a higher probability health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight and obese
I learned that women who have had prenatal care have healthier babies.
yes prenatal care is alot different
Folic acid is essential for proper development.
It is important for us Latinas to take care of ourselves because we are more likely to suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure
After translating your page to English I learned about your .”Discovery Familia” program and how important it is to get the word out about getting on the road to a healthier life.
I learned that babies that receive prenatal care are more likely to be born healthy.
Get healthier babies
I learned it is important to have prenatal care for a healthy baby, including taking vitamins.
I learned that Hispanic women are more likely to have certain health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity.
I learned that Hispanic women are one of the groups least likely to receive early prenatal care. 🙁
Hispanic women are more likely to have certain health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, which may affect pregnancy if not well controlled before and during pregnancy.
I learned that the glucose test is done between weeks 24-28.
Prenatal care is incredibly important for you and your baby. It’s very important to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle before and after baby.
I learned that despite the continued rapid growth of the Hispanic population in the United States, Hispanic women are one of the groups least likely to receive prenatal care from early pregnancy (the first quarter).
Entered the rafflecopter as “Wild orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
i learned that babies are more likely to be born healthy with prenatal care
Prenatal care equals not only healthier babies but also more awareness about their pregnancy, medicine, and intervention if needed.
I learned that prenatal care is the best way to monitor the health of the pregnant woman and her developing baby during the course of pregnancy.
healthy habits for a healthy baby…
Prenatal care is essential to the birth of a healthy baby! Thank you for promoting such an important topic.
premature births can happen to any woman
Don’t drink, smoke, or use illegal drugs! Word.
I learned that Hispanic women have a higher predisposition for being overweight.
prenatal care helps babies be born healthier
By getting prenatal care, you raise the probability of having a healthy baby.
prenatal care is important because it can prevent and help catch illnesses like gestational diabetes
The leading cause of death for women is still heart attack/disease. 1.1 million in fact.
I learned that receiving prenatal care reduces the chance that the baby with have health complications. thanks 🙂
Babies that receive prenatal care are more likely to be born healthy
i LEARNED THAT PRENATAL CARE CAN CATCH LIFE THREATENING illnesses for mom and baby
TAKING FOLIC ACID BEFORE AND DURING PREGNANCY
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
That prenatal care is very important!
With prenatal care, babies are born healthier!
Mothers who receive prenatal care will have healthier babies. Thanks!
prenatal care reduces the risk of health complications for the baby
I learned babies that receive prenatal care are more likely to be born healthy
I learned babies that receive prenatal care are more likely to be born healthy
I learned that this is a necessary blog for Hispanic Women who are pregnant. That the earliest prenatal care that the Mother and child receive, the chances increase for a healthy child.
I learned that mothers who receive prenatal care are more likely to have babies that will be born healthy
one thing I learned about prenatal care is that Hispanic women are more likely to suffer from cetain medical problems and early detection and care is best
I learned that Hispanic women have a higher chance of suffering from HBP and diabetes. I actually had gestational diabetes while pregnant with my son.
As a Latina who had gestational diabetes, I was thankful that from the get go, prenatal care was important. I had a healthy pregnancies due to the careful monitoring. Prenatal care is of the utmost importance!
I learned that Hispanic women have a higher probability health conditions like diabetes and that with prenatal care you have higher chance to have healthy baby.
i learned how important prenatal care is to the health of a baby even in early stages
I learned that if you’re wanting to conceive, then you should get a medical checkup even before you get pregnant.
Thanks for the article and giveaway!
I learned that prenatal care makes a big difference in having a healthy baby.
I learned that prenatal care is very important for healthy babies.
I learned that Prenatal Care can reduce health problems in babies!
Hi, I visited the site and I learned this –
PRUEBAS PRENATALES
Las pruebas prenatales se hacen durante el embarazo y sirven para saber cómo estás tú y tu bebé. Algunas de las pruebas son de rutina y se hacen en casi todas las visitas de cuidado prenatal. Otras pruebas se hacen en ciertos momentos del embarazo o sólo si se tiene algún problema. Por ejemplo, la prueba de glucosa se hace entre las semanas 24 y 28 de embarazo y detecta la diabetes gestacional. Este es un tipo de diabetes que algunas mujeres desarrollan durante el embarazo.
The page wouldn’t translate to English, so I’m not quite sure what it says, but I’m sure it’s good advice !
Great job discovery Familia is doing! A pity I didn’t get to see Embarazadas Sin Control.