New Free Text Service For Pregnant Women, New Moms

The Office of Science and Technology Policy Thursday said a new service being launched by a coalition of mobile phone providers, health professionals, and federal, state and local agencies will allow pregnant women and new mothers to receive free health information updates to their mobile phones.

Women can sign up for the text4baby service by texting to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish). They will receive three free SMS text messages each week timed to their due date or baby's date of birth that will focus on such issues as nutrition, seasonal flu prevention and treatment, mental health issues, risks of tobacco use, oral health, immunization schedules and safe sleep. The service also will provide information on public clinics and support services for prenatal and infant care.