June 10, 2026 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Department of Health and Human Services and March of Dimes Promote Low Dose Aspirin to Reduce Preeclampsia Risk
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with March of Dimes, announces the expansion of its preeclampsia awareness campaign, “Take It Easy, Baby!”. Designed to combat one of the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, the campaign continues to increase awareness about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia in Orleans Parish. A new provider education component of the campaign is now available to educate healthcare professionals on the benefits of low dose aspirin.
Preeclampsia is a multi-system disorder of pregnancy diagnosed by new-onset high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, or even up to six weeks after delivery. It can develop suddenly and may lead to preventable maternal and infant risks – like preterm birth, seizures, stroke, life-threatening conditions or death.
In Louisiana, 20.7% of pregnancies involve hypertension, a key risk factor for preeclampsia (National Center for Health Statistics, 2024 Natality data), and the preterm birth rate for Black infants is 17.2%, nearly twice that of white infants. New Orleans ranks third highest in preterm birth rate among the 100 U.S. cities with the greatest number of live births.
While preeclampsia is serious, reducing risk is possible. When recommended by a doctor or midwife, starting a daily routine of low-dose aspirin between the 12th and 28th week of pregnancy can help prevent preeclampsia. The “Take it Easy, Baby!” campaign defines the following strategies to reduce the risk of preeclampsia in New Orleans:
- Individuals who are pregnant should speak with their doctor or midwife about their risk for preeclampsia and whether low‑dose aspirin may be appropriate.
- Medical providers and those who care for individuals who are pregnant are encouraged to seek continuing education and incorporate early screening and prevention strategies into patient care. Health systems are encouraged to incorporate low-dose aspirin prompting into their electronic systems.
“Too often women face preventable pregnancy complications,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. “By increasing awareness of evidence‑based strategies like low‑dose aspirin, we can equip women with resources to make informed decisions that can save lives and support healthier pregnancies across New Orleans.”
“Our preterm birth rates say a lot about the cardiovascular health of New Orleanians before pregnancy even begins. The ‘Take It Easy, Baby!’ campaign and statewide training bundle bring us one step closer to our organization’s bold goal of ending preventable maternal and infant risks and death,” said Robin Gruenfeld, Director of Collective Impact at March of Dimes. “Our collaboration with NOHHS helps ensure providers partner with families so they have what they need for safer pregnancies.”
NOHHS and March of Dimes encourage everyone to learn about preeclampsia, its signs and symptoms and low dose aspirin by accessing the following resources:
For Individuals and Families
Take It Easy, Baby patient education flyer (English | Spanish | Vietnamese)
For Care Providers
The two‑part curriculum, developed by NOHHS and March of Dimes, trains providers, including OB-GYNs, midwives, and pharmacists, to identify high‑risk patients, integrate aspirin recommendations into prenatal care, and counsel patients effectively.
Successful completion of this Learning Path requires completion of two courses:
- Low Dose, Big Benefits: Raising Awareness of Low-Dose Aspirin to Reduce the Negative Impacts of Preeclampsia (Accredited for 1h CME, CNE, and CPE)
- Take It Easy, Baby: Motivational Interviewing to Support Use of Low-Dose Aspirin in Louisiana (Accredited for 1h CME, CNE, and CPE)
To learn more about “Take It Easy, Baby!” and low dose aspirin, visit the "Take It Easy, Baby!” website.
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About the New Orleans Department of Health and Human Services
The mission of the New Orleans Health Department is to promote, protect, and improve the health of all in our community through equitable policies, programs, and partnerships.
About the March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information.