Interior Health launched its prenatal information hotline this week for Kamloops and several other Southern Interior communities.
The hotline provides expectant mothers with resources and services to get the best start for mom and baby.
Women can call to get answers to a wide range of areas such as nutrition, tobacco use, substance abuse, sexual health, safety, immunization, breastfeeding, parenting and more.
They can also get information about services available in their community to support a healthy pregnancy and register for the birth of their babies.
"Not all pregnant women have the same needs," said Anne Clarotto, promotion and prevention program director with Interior Health.
"Some may be calling to sign up for prenatal classes, others may have questions about healthy eating and some may just want to know what supports are available in their communities.
"Instead of calling a few places to get this information, they can now call one number. It's like a one-stop shop for a healthy pregnancy."
Callers will speak directly with a public health nurse who can answer questions and connect her with supports and services.
The prenatal registry operates 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for pregnant women in the pilot communities.
The other communities benefiting from the hotline are Cranbrook, Kimberley, Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Vernon, Williams Lake and the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Interior Health is implementing the prenatal registry using a phased approach and plans to expand the service to all other communities within the region in early 2013.
"We will use this pilot phase to make the program the best it can be and we look forward to being able to offer it across the region in the near future," said Clarotto.
Women are encouraged to call the prenatal registry early in their pregnancy.
"The sooner they call, the sooner they can learn about and get connected to, valuable services, supports and information," said Carolotto.
The prenatal hotline can be accessed confidentially and toll-free at 1-855-868-7710.
