Preconception Education in the Workplace Presented at the Third National Summit on Preconception Health and Health Care Steve Abelman Director, Educational Outreach and Marketing

March of Dimes Mission: –To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality –4 Strategies to Reach our Mission 1: Research 2: Advocacy 3: Community Services 4: Education

Background Labor Force (Women 16-44) – 41.6 Million –Women (16-44) as % of Labor Force – 46% Birth Rate (per 1000) among women in labor force – 46 U.S. Births – 4.2 Million Births among women in labor force – 1.9 Million Bureau of Labor Statistics and US Census

When does education begin? For this population, in general, the carrier and/or employer does not provide any information regarding healthy behaviors that may lead to healthy pregnancies until the first claim is filed. For this population, in general, the carrier and/or employer does not provide any information regarding healthy behaviors that may lead to healthy pregnancies until the first claim is filed. That information tends to be prenatal and not preconception. That information tends to be prenatal and not preconception.

Average Payment by Health Plan for Newborn Care Source: Thomson Healthcare Babies were chosen from MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounter database for 2005 and were only included if they had at least twelve months of continuous enrollment after birth. Dollars

Chronic health problems (High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity) Medical risks in current pregnancy Behavioral & environmental risks (Smoking, alcohol or drug use) Demographic risks (African-American, over 35) Other risks – stress, periods of standing Some Risk Factors for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

“My 9 Months”

Results to Date Currently over 300 organizations ranging from 25 to over 1 million employees are using “My 9 Months” Average monthly unique users = 2000 –Average monthly page views =3150 Most popular content: –Getting Healthy (9 Questions) –How Your Baby Grows –Due Date Calculator –Ovulation Calculator –Weight Gain –Just for Dads –Why the Last Weeks Count

Limitations Behavior change and/or outcomes as a sole result of this tool is difficult to measure. Behavior change and/or outcomes as a sole result of this tool is difficult to measure. Employers have other tools at their disposals, such as Health Risk Assessments and financial incentives that can influence actions of their employees. Employers have other tools at their disposals, such as Health Risk Assessments and financial incentives that can influence actions of their employees. However, education, easily accessed, is the first step in making improvements in the health of women of childbearing age in the workplace. However, education, easily accessed, is the first step in making improvements in the health of women of childbearing age in the workplace.

Implications Encouraging women in the workplace to adapt healthy behaviors prior to conception is an important concept in the preconception arena as employers and insurances carriers tend to neglect this audience until the pregnancy is identified.