Early Head Start: Pregnant Women and Expectant Family Services

January 19, 2024

About Early Head Start’s Program for Pregnant and Expectant Families

Becoming pregnant and parenting a newborn is a transformative experience—but one that comes with many questions and challenges. Early Head Start’s Pregnant and Expectant Families program is designed to support pregnant mothers and children from birth to three years old.

Eligibility

Early Head Start’s Pregnant and Expectant Families program is available to pregnant mothers and newborns. Eligibility is based on income at or below the Federal Poverty Level. However, if your family is in another situation—such as experiencing homelessness, having children in foster care, or receiving SSI or TANF, you are eligible for EHS regardless of your income.

Additionally, if your child has an identified disability, you may be eligible for EHS regardless of income level.

How Early Head Start Supports Pregnant Mothers and Newborns

Early Head Start provides mothers and families with trainings and one-on-one support that cover all aspects of pregnancy and early childhood development.

When enrolled in the program, mothers and families will receive:

Monthly home visits: A qualified Family Educator will visit your family at least once each month, typically for 90 minutes in length.
Trainings and activities: Based on your needs and interests, your Family Educator will provide specific trainings and activities for your entire family.
Education materials: The first 2,000 days of your child’s life are critical for their long-term development. Through enrollment in Early Head Start, you’ll gain access to education materials that support your knowledge of early childhood development and help you build a foundation for your child’s healthy development.
Resources for children with disabilities: If you have a child with disabilities, your Family Educator will provide helpful resources and assistance so you can support your child and be their advocate.
Community resources: Did you recently move to Onslow County and you’re seeking extra support? Or are you a military family in need of military-specific resources? Your dedicated Family Educator will connect you with what you need.
Hands-on support: Your Family Educator provides hands-on support to give you the skills you need to feel confident in your role as your child’s first teacher.
Evidence-based curriculum. All of the educational materials and trainings provided are part of an evidence-based curriculum, specializing in supporting early childhood development.

Each month, pregnant women and expectant families enrolled in Early Head Start receive prenatal information and educational support. Topics covered typically include:

Prenatal care during pregnancy
Fetal development
The importance of healthy nutrition and exercise during pregnancy
The risks of alcohol, drugs, and smoking during pregnancy
Labor and delivery education
Postpartum recovery education
Parental depression
Breastfeeding
Infant care
Safe sleep practices
Family dynamics

The Impact of Early Head Start on Pregnant Mothers

Research on the benefits of Early Head Start for pregnant mothers and expectant families found several key impacts—from improved social-emotional outcomes, to healthier mothers.

Early Head Start participants were more likely to breastfeed. Fourty-four percent of EHS mothers chose to breastfeed their children compared to 33% of non-Early Head Start mothers.

Early Head Start parents were more likely to provide a stimulating home environment. Parents who enrolled during pregnancy and parents who enrolled afterward both were more likely to be emotionally supportive.

Learn More

If you’re a pregnant mother or expectant family in Onslow County, click here to learn more about our Early Head Start programs and start your application process today. Whether you’re a first-time parent or have experience raising children, Early Head Start has something to offer you.