Project Title:
Expanded Preconception Care: Internatal Care in a Life-Course Model
Project Co-Leads:
Monique Chireau, M.D., MPH, Duke University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Tamera Coyne-Beasley, MD, MPH, Community Health Coalition / UNC-CH Dept. of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine
Sue McLaurin, M.Ed., PT, Community Health Coalition
Maria Small, MD, MPH, Duke University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Proposal Abstract:
In Durham County, North Carolina, rates of low birth weight and infant mortality are higher than the national average. Because a mother’s health affects that of her infant, addressing maternal obesity, diabetes, and hypertension should improve the rates of these poor perinatal outcomes. We hypothesize that an internatal care model focusing on postpartum and preconception prevention and treatment will have a major impact on maternal-child health in Durham. We propose to plan and design and multidisciplinary, community-based care model to improve maternal-child health and interrupt the cycle of events leading to maternal and infant complications in the next pregnancy and beyond.
