Pregnancy care
Take care of yourself while you’re pregnant. That’s the best way to give your baby a great start. Whether you need help choosing a provider, learning about childbirth classes or getting healthy food, we're here.
Let us know you’re pregnant
If you’re pregnant, you’ll want to share the news with us. That way, we can help connect you to the care and services you need. So you and your baby can be as healthy as you can be. You can let us know:
Online: Log in to your Member Portal and complete the Notice of Pregnancy form.
By phone: Call us at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711).
Give your baby the best start
After your baby is born, you’ll need to enroll them in HealthChoice Illinois (Medicaid) benefits.
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Call the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-866-324-5553). Staff can help you Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except for holidays.
Your baby will get an ID number for eligible benefits as soon as possible. This helps ensure they’ll get all the care they need.
Benefits for you and baby
A healthy baby is the best reward, but now you can enjoy even more. Check out these benefits for you and your baby.
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This program is all about getting you and your baby the care you need. It’s a benefit you can enjoy before and after your baby is born. Why take part? You’ll get support through your pregnancy and as a new mother. And you can get rewards, too.
Get rewards for care
You can earn rewards for completing certain healthy steps. Then, the dollars appear on a special card you’ll receive. You can use the card to buy healthy food, maternity supplies and diapers in store or online at some retailers.
With our rewards program, you can earn:
$25: Let us know you’re pregnant by calling us or completing the Notice of Pregnancy form. Be sure to do so as soon as you know you’re pregnant or within the first trimester.
$25: Go to your first prenatal visit within the first trimester or 42 days of enrollment in your plan
Up to $80: Go to your follow-up prenatal visits during the first 30 months of life and earn $10 per visit (up to 8 visits)
$50: Go to your postpartum visit 21 to 56 days after your baby’s birth.
Register to redeem your rewards
After you complete these steps, you’ll need to register to redeem your rewards. You can register in one of two ways:
Online: Log in to your Member Portal and choose the option to redeem the rewards you’ve earned.
By phone: Call us at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711).
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You can receive a diaper bag along with a choice of a car seat, highchair or play yard.
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You may receive a voucher for $45 a month to spend on diapers for each child ages 2.5 years (30 months) and younger.
To receive this benefit, you’ll need to complete 6 well-child visits by 15 months and another 2 visits by 30 months of age.
More help during pregnancy
We’re here to help you stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. This includes providing guidance on dental care and other wellness topics. We’ll also share ways to help prevent or manage a high-risk pregnancy.
Dental care during pregnancy (PDF)
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, a care manager can help you get the special care you need. You’ll get support, including info about preterm labor and birth.
What is preterm labor?
Preterm (early) labor is labor that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It can cause an earlier birth, which may lead to health problems that can affect the baby.
Any pregnant woman can have preterm labor. It may start for no reason, but you’re at a higher risk for preterm labor* if you:
Are pregnant and over age 35
Are Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native
Are carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets or more)
Have had preterm labor or an early birth in the past
Use drugs or alcohol while pregnant
Smoke or use other forms of nicotine while pregnant
A care manager can help you:
Learn more about your pregnancy
Make a care plan that’s right for you
Get services and care
Work with health care providers, agencies and groups
Get services after hours in a crisis
Arrange services for children with special health care needs
To learn more, call us at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711). Or visit our care management page.
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Support for breastfeeding
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Pregnant members can get a no-cost breast pump. You can get this benefit during your third trimester, once every two years. And you don’t need pre-approval or prior authorization. To get your breast pump, call us at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711), then ask for care management.
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If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll want to empty your breasts regularly by feeding or using a breast pump. This prevents your breasts from becoming full and painful. You can pump breast milk when it works for you. Then your baby can get the best nutrition, no matter what your schedule. A breast pump also gives other family members the chance to feed and bond with your baby.
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Need help or have questions about breastfeeding? You’re not alone. Contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline, and you can speak with a certified lactation consultant at any time. Call 1-800-994-9662 (TDD: 1-888-220-5446). You can reach them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC is a national nutrition program that aims to protect the health of women, infants and children. The Illinois WIC program provides these services at no cost:
- Help with breastfeeding questions
Referrals to agencies
Healthy food, like fruits and vegetables
Healthy eating tips
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You can find WIC programs in:
County health departments
Hospitals and clinics
Community centers
Schools
Other places in your area
Want to learn more about WIC?
Call us at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711). You can also visit Illinois WIC to find out if you can get benefits.
More info for a healthy pregnancy
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Find topics on everything from pregnancy to well-child visits. Or learn more about women’s health, from managing stress to keeping up with well-woman visits.
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Check out this source for info about how to get ready for your baby, childbirth and more.
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Learn how to prevent premature birth. The goal is to avoid long-term health problems for your baby. You’ll also find tools and more info for a healthy pregnancy.
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Learn about postpartum depression and how to get help after having your baby. You can also check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for info on overall health and wellness.
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