Special to the Times

Osoyoos Times

Finding information during pregnancy can be hard for future moms, especially in rural areas such as Osoyoos, but a new program from Interior Health is hoping to change that.

Interior Health wants to make getting information during pregnancy a little bit easier with the launch of SmartMom, a free interactive prenatal education program delivered right to phones via text messages.

The program is tailored, providing information timed to the stage of pregnancy to ensure the right information is delivered at the right time.

“Only 32 per cent of women in Canada attend prenatal education classes, and we know that number decreases further for those in rural and remote communities,” said Nancy Delgado, Interior Health’s SmartMom project manager.

“By offering SmartMom, we’re now able to offer consistent, evidence-based prenatal education to moms-to-be across the Interior Health region.”

So how does it work? Moms-to-be receive text messages up to three times per week, with the option to choose the time and days that work best.

Messages will guide them through their pregnancy and include topics to discuss with caregivers, information and resources on how to have a healthy pregnancy, how their baby is developing, and tips on how to manage labour and delivery.

Information can also be customized to include resources about personal health concerns such as smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake, and healthy eating and weight management.

SmartMom was developed in partnership with UBC-affiliated researchers (Optimal Birth BC), the B.C. Ministry of Health, Northern Health, First Nations Health Authority, and in consultation with pregnant women, new mothers, clinicians, and public health practitioners.

All information is current and has been developed from published peer-reviewed research, and is endorsed by The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC).

Text messages are intended for women having uncomplicated pregnancies. SmartMom is intended to complement prenatal advice and information provided by caregivers, not to replace it.

Moms-to-be can enroll with SmartMom online or via text message.

To enroll by text message, text “Interior” to 12323, reply “Yes,” view the Terms of Consent or call the toll-free number and reply “Accept.”

On the SmartMom Canada website, smartmomcanada.ca, click “Enroll Now” in the top right of the homepage and create a profile.