Skip to main content

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.

Have a question?

Just call Member Services at 1-855-242-0802 (TTY: 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Let us know you’re pregnant

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. 

 

To let us know you’re pregnant, just complete and submit this Notice of pregnancy form (PDF). You can do this in one of two ways:

 

  • Complete the form and send it to us by fax: 1-866-776-2813.  

  • Call Member Services at 1-855-242-0802 (TTY: 711) and we can help you complete and submit the form by phone.

Maternity Matters

Maternity Matters

Maternity Matters 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 throughout your pregnancy and as a new mother. And the program offers rewards, too. 

 

Get rewards for care

 

A healthy baby is the best reward, but now you can enjoy even more. You’ll earn rewards for completing certain goals. Then, the dollars are added to a special card you’ll receive. You can use the card to buy healthy food, maternity supplies and diapers at local and online stores. 

 

Once you know you’re pregnant, just call us at 1-855-242-0802 (TTY: 711). Then, ask to speak with a care manager. They’ll help you get started.

 

With Maternity Matters, you can earn:

 

  • $25 gift card for completing Notice of Pregnancy form in the first trimester and completing first prenatal visit
  • $10 gift card for each additional prenatal visit, up to
    10 visits
  • $25 gift card for postpartum visit (within 7 to 84 days
    after delivery)
  • Pregnant members 18+ can earn a $10 gift card for each dental visit during pregnancy (limit 2).

During pregnancy, you’ll get a special welcome kit for baby. This kit includes a diaper bag, baby blanket, wipes and other items to help give your baby a healthy start. Then, after your baby's birth, you’ll get a case of diapers, too. 

Ask to speak with your care manager. You can get your no-cost breast pump up to two weeks before your baby's birth. We offer a double electric breast pump, the Medela Pump In Style® Advanced Breast Pump + Starter Kit. You don’t need pre-approval (prior authorization). Just call 1-855-242-0802 (TTY: 711) to get your pump.

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. Many women find it helpful to use a breast pump. You just 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.

 

To get help with breastfeeding, you can call the National Breastfeeding Helpline at 1‑800‑994‑9662 (TDD: 1‑888‑220‑5446).

Extra help during pregnancy

Extra help during pregnancy

Is any parent ever prepared enough for a new baby? If you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. We can help you stay healthy through your pregnancy and get the care you need.

 

Our team 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

Understanding 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. 

 

Who’s at risk?

 

Any pregnant woman can have preterm labor. It may start for no reason, but you’re at a higher risk if you:

 

  • Are carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets or more)

  • Have had preterm labor or an early birth in the past 

  • Smoke or use alcohol or drugs while pregnant

  • Experience bleeding during pregnancy 

 

Learn more about preterm labor and birth

Have a healthier pregnancy

Have a healthier pregnancy

If you’re planning a family, try to see your provider before you get pregnant. If you’re already pregnant or even think you might be, take these simple steps:  

 

  • See your provider early — this can help keep both you and your baby healthy. 

  • Keep all your appointments. Make it a goal not to miss even one.

  • Take on healthy habits — like eating healthy meals and getting enough exercise. Also, aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night.  

  • Don’t use tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs. If you’re using these substances, tell your provider right away. You’re not alone, and they can help.

  • Tell your provider about any prescription medications you take — you may need to stop while you’re pregnant.

  • Learn about childbirth classes to help with your pregnancy and delivery. They’re free. Just ask your provider how to sign up.

  • Ask your provider if you need a lead test. Older houses and other sources can expose you to lead. And high lead levels can harm your baby. 

Read on to learn more about getting extra care for you and baby.

 

Baby book (PDF) – ENG

Baby book (PDF) – SPAN

Get tips by text

 

 

Text4baby™ is a service that texts you tips and reminders during your pregnancy. It keeps your health top of mind. And it’s free to join. Visit the Text4baby website to learn more.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC is a national nutrition program that aims to protect the health of women, infants and children. You can find WIC programs in:

 

  • County health departments

  • Hospitals and clinics 

  • Community centers

  • Schools 

  • Other places in your area

     

The Louisiana WIC program provides these services at no cost:

 

  • Help with breastfeeding questions

  • Referrals to agencies

  • Healthy food, like fruits and vegetables 

  • Healthy eating tips

 

Want to learn more about WIC?

 

Just call us at 1-855-242-0802 (TTY: 711). You can also call WIC to see if you and your child can use the service: 1-800-251-2229

 

Visit WIC online for more info

More info for a healthy pregnancy

Pump In Style is a registered trademark of Medela.

Text4baby is a trademark of Wellpass.

Also of interest: