Prenatal Care

Mom Kissing her baby

The Prenatal Program is the oldest part of Families First Health and Support Center. The agency began in 1984 as the Portsmouth Prenatal Clinic with this mission: "To deliver healthy babies to healthy mothers."

The Prenatal Program is designed for pregnant women who are low-income or under age 21 who live in Portsmouth, Newington, New Castle, Rye, Hampton, North Hampton or Greenland. We serve about 190 women each year, including roughly 30 teens.

The Prenatal Program is affordable. We have a sliding fee scale based on income for uninsured women, and we accept Medicaid. We help patients fill out Medicaid applications and obtain free or discounted prescription drugs and lab work.

The Prenatal Program is easy to access. For prenatal patients who already have children, free child care can be arranged during appointments. Many patients are eligible for free transportation to the Health Center. All services (except infant delivery and ultrasounds) are provided under one roof, at the beautiful Community Campus in Portsmouth.

And, the Prenatal Program is comprehensive:

  • Medical care is provided by ob/gyn physicians and nurse practitioner from Harbour Women's Health (who generously provide their services at a greatly discounted rate) and Families First's prenatal nurse coordinator.
  • A social worker helps patients find resources to meet their needs, including helping with applications for enrollment in Medicaid and New Hampshire Healthy Kids insurance coverage.
  • Each client receives a complete assessment of her nutritional status, referrals to local food and nutrition programs as needed, and enrollment in WIC. The nutritionist provides information about infant nutrition and encouragement to breastfeed.
  • The program includes childbirth education and parenting education, as well as substance abuse and smoking cessation counseling if needed.
  • Most patients can receive home visits from a family worker for education and support, continuing throughout the pregnancy and the baby's first year.

After delivery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, mother and baby can continue as primary care patients at the Families First Health Center.

For information, call Margery Prazar, RN, 603-422-8208, ext. 108.