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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 breastfeeding or getting healthy food, we're here. 

Questions?

Just contact us. We’re here to help.

Let us know you’re pregnant 

Let us know you’re pregnant 

Our maternity care program can help you stay healthy through your pregnancy. It’s easy to join. Just contact us. Then you’ll be sure to get the health care services you need. 
 

Give your baby the best start

 

After your baby is born, call the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) at 1-888-963-7111 (TTY: 1-800-735-2989). 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.

PROMISE Program 

PROMISE Program 

The PROMISE Program is a care management and rewards program for you and your baby. 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 the program offers rewards, too. 

Get rewards for care 

 

A healthy baby is the best reward, but now you can enjoy even more. When you complete certain goals, you can earn rewards. Enroll in care management to get started today.

Through care management and the PROMISE Program, you can earn:

 

  • $50 worth of baby supplies (diapers, wipes and other items): Complete first three prenatal visits.
  • $50 worth of baby supplies (diapers, wipes and other items): Complete three more prenatal visits (six total) and one postpartum care visit after your baby’s birth.

 

PROMISE Program flyer — English (PDF) | Español (PDF) 

 

After you’ve completed all your prenatal and postpartum visits, contact us to claim your rewards.

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 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 
 
Just contact us to learn more. Ask for care management (for STAR and CHIP members) or service coordination (for STAR Kids members). You can also visit our member care management or service coordination pages.

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

  • Have bleeding during pregnancy 


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 of you 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 nicotine, 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.

 

Support for breastfeeding

 

Are you planning to breastfeed your baby? If yes, you can get help in many ways.

 

Nest Collaborative

 

This no-cost program offers online breastfeeding support anytime, anywhere. You can take part in appointments by phone or video (telehealth). Visits are also available in Spanish if needed.

 

Connect today and get answers to breastfeeding questions, like:

 

  • How do I use a breast pump?
  • What will happen in the hospital and when I breastfeed at home?
  • Do I have enough supply?
  • What do I do if things start to hurt?

 

To learn more or make an appointment with Nest Collaborative, you can:

 

Nest Collaborative flyer — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

National Breastfeeding Helpline

 

To get even more help with breastfeeding, you can call: 1-800-994-9662 (TDD: 1-888-220-5446)

 

Benefits of a breast 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 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.  

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 Texas 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 contact us. You can also call WIC to see if you and your child can use the service: 1-800-942-3678.

 

WIC website 

Join our events


Don’t miss out on our Baby Shower events or Diapers for Dads events. RSVP so you can enjoy food, raffle prizes, a gift basket and more. You can learn about these upcoming events on our news and events page.

More info for a healthy pregnancy

Text4baby is a trademark of Wellpass.

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