Get help if youʼre stressed

Editorʼs Note: This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It is being reprinted as part of a partnership between the Community Journal and Journal Sentinel to help address a critical issue in our community.

Courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Reprinted August 21, 2011

The stress of poverty, violence or an unhealthy environment can increase the odds of having a premature baby. Many programs help pregnant women cope with the stress, but most require a referral from a doctor.

The first step — Ask yourself these questions: Are you in a violent living situation? Have you been feeling stressed, depressed or anxious? Do you smoke or are you frequently exposed to secondhand smoke? Do you live in an unsafe neighborhood, or do you lack a safe place to stay? If you answered yes to any of them, let your doctor know.