Identifying Potentially Costly Issues

Mrs. R, a 30-year-old mother, was identified as extremely high-risk pregnancy because she had experienced a previous loss as well as a previous preterm delivery at 33 weeks. The SmartStarts prenatal nurse assessed Mrs. R’s ability to perceive contractions and fetal movement. The nurse maintained frequent contact with her, continuing to assess developing risk factors, answer questions and provide education and support. The nurse reinforced recommendations made by Mrs. R’s physician and clarified some misconceptions she had about her condition and care.

When Mrs. R developed preterm labor at 30 weeks, she was placed on medication to prolong her pregnancy. The SmartStarts prenatal nurse reviewed all of Mrs. R’s medications, encouraged her to comply with her doctor’s orders and advised her to contact her doctor immediately if she experienced any adverse effects or complications from the medications. The SmartStarts prenatal nurse also referred Mrs. R to a stress management program and a resource for expectant mothers available through her employer’s health plan.

Financially, the individualized care provided by SmartStarts saved an estimated $141,000. The baby was delivered at 37 weeks at a normal birth weight of 7 lbs., 8 oz. The constant monitoring and prolonged gestation avoided NICU charges for a baby born at 30 weeks when Mrs. R experienced preterm labor.