Pregnancy and women’s health

If you’re thinking about having a baby, there are steps you can take to stay healthy before, during and after pregnancy. These steps will help you have a healthy baby, too!

Before you become pregnant, talk with your doctor about:

• Planning to start a family
• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
• Taking medications safely
• Taking folic acid
• Making sure your vaccines are up to date
• Staying active 
• Eating healthy 

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

National Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) (TTY 711)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) (TTY 1-800-487-4889)

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.

Congratulations! This is an exciting time. There are many things you can do to help you and your baby stay strong and healthy.

Once you find out you’re pregnant:

• Schedule an appointment with your OB provider.  

Prenatal care is very important for you and your baby. Your doctor will ask you about your health, do a physical exam and tell you your baby’s due date.  
Who is your OB provider?  If you don’t have one, call 1-866-781-5094 (TTY 1-866-773-9634). We can help find a provider near you.

• Complete an OB health screener. 

This helps us get you the care and support you need during your pregnancy. Call 1-866-781-5094 to complete our OB health screener. 

• Chat with an OB case manager.

We can help you take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby. Call 1-866-781-5094 to learn more about our New Baby, New Life℠ program. 

• Take care of you.  

Eat healthy foods, stay active, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.

Healthy Rewards

You may be eligible to earn reward dollars for going to your prenatal and postpartum appointments. To enroll in our Healthy Rewards program, visit the Benefit Reward Hub or call 1-888-990-8681 (TTY 711).

My Advocate^®

Getting the support you need throughout your pregnancy can help you feel better and embrace the journey. MaryBeth with My Advocate shares helpful tips and advice before and after your baby is born, and will make it easier to connect with your case manager.  You get these helpful tips and advice by phone, text, or mobile app. 

Pregnancy Education

We’ll send you an educational book, called the Pregnancy and Beyond Resource Guide. To request a book, call 1-866-781-5094 (TTY 1-866-773-9634).

The book includes:

• Self-care information for your pregnancy.
• An area to write down things that happen during your pregnancy.
• Instructions for enrolling in the My Advocate program. Get health information sent via phone, text or mobile app.
• A Labor, Delivery and Beyond section with information on what to expect during your third trimester.
• Healthy Rewards program information. Learn how to redeem your reward dollars for prenatal, postpartum and well-baby care.
• Resources for having a healthy baby, postpartum depression and caring for your newborn.
• Information about making a family life plan. Learn about long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC) and other forms of birth control.

• Diabetes in pregnancy booklet – English
• Diabetes in pregnancy booklet – Spanish

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful Resources

National Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)

You may be able to get WIC benefits. Visit the WIC website to learn more.

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.
 

Congratulations! Being a new mother is an exciting time. But it can bring some unexpected challenges. You may have questions about how to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

Besides talking with your doctor, there are many resources available to help keep you healthy, both physically and emotionally. There are also many resources to help keep your baby safe, happy and healthy.
 

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Need help getting a breast pump? Call the Customer Care Center at 1-866-781-5094 to speak with a case manager.

Visit the WIC website or call your local WIC office. WIC can help you with breastfeeding support.

For more support with breastfeeding:

• Visit La Leche or call the La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-877-452-5324. 
• Visit Infant Risk Center or call 1-806-352-2519 for questions about breastfeeding and medications.

For more information on postpartum depression, talk to your doctor. You can also contact Postpartum Support International (PSI) at 1-800-944-4PPD (4773) (TTY 711).

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.

If your baby was born sick or premature, they may have been admitted to the NICU. You may be having a hard time coping. We believe that the more you know, the better you’ll be able to care for your baby. We’re here to help you during your baby’s stay in the NICU.

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Need help getting a breast pump? Call the Customer Care Center at 1-866-781-5094 (TTY 1-866-773-9634 to speak with a case manager.

• Pregnancy and Beyond Resource Guide – English
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A family guide – Spanish

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.

There are many ways you can support your partner during pregnancy. Encourage her to seek early and regular prenatal care. Attend appointments and birthing classes with her. Encourage your partner to avoid tobacco and alcohol, stay active, and eat healthy. Find ways to help her reduce stress during pregnancy.

Take care of yourself, too! As you help your partner stay healthy, take these steps with her:

• Visit your doctor
• Make sure your immunizations are up to date
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Stay active — spend time walking or exercising with your partner
• Eat healthy
• Find ways to reduce your stress — reach out to friends and family who are parents and can provide you with support and advice

Your role as a parent is very important to the health and development of your baby. You may have a lot of questions about caring for your newborn. The links below can help you get ready to be a parent.
 

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

BabyCenter: Childbirth cheat sheet
Decision in recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
March of Dimes
smokefree.gov
National Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) (TTY 711)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) (TTY 1-800-487-4889)

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.

Losing a baby is very painful. A strong circle of support can be very helpful. You can find help here:

CJ First Candle — Support for families who have had a pregnancy or infant loss
Call 1-800-221-7437 (TTY 711).  Grief counselors are on hand at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

National SHARE — Pregnancy and infant loss support
Call 1-800-821-6819 (TTY 711).

MISS Foundation — Support and resources after the death of a child
Call 1-888-455-6477 (TTY 711).

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.

You may have questions about sex, relationships, body changes or birth control. When you get regular checkups, you can talk with your doctor. If you want to talk privately, ask your doctor if they can answer your questions without a parent in the room.

You can also find information online. Below are some sites that can help you get and stay healthy.

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Birth control for teensBullyingHPV: Should I get the vaccine?Fitness: Getting and staying activeQuitting smokingTeen healthTeen relationship abuse

Helpful resources

Am I in a healthy relationship? 
BAM! Body and Mind
Everything you wanted to know about IUDs and the implant at WhoopsProof.
Explore birth control methods. Get birth control and appointment reminders at Bedsider.org.
Get important health information especially for teens.
Learn more about reproductive health for teens.
Learn more about unintended pregnancy prevention. 
Learn more about quitting smoking at teen.smokefree.gov.
Take charge of your health: A guide for teens
What is teen health?
Learn how to make a plan for your future at Not Right Now. 
South Carolina information and services for teens.
TeensHealth: An interactive website for teens

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.

Stay healthy and strong by: 

• Going to your doctor and dentist regularly
• Keeping vaccines up-to-date
• Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Planning for pregnancy or preventing an unwanted pregnancy
• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
• Staying active 
• Eating healthy 

• Family planning for women in substance abuse treatment – English
• Family planning for women in substance abuse treatment – Spanish

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Learn more at www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth. 
Decision in recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Smokefree Women
National Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) (TTY 711)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) (TTY 1-800-487-4889)

These links lead to third party sites. These companies are solely responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.