Pregnancy and Wellness in Ohio

Deciding if or when to have a baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whatever you choose, your Anthem MyCare plan is here for you.

Caring for you and your baby

 

Whether you’re trying to become pregnant, recently found out you’re pregnant, or just had a baby, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Download our Pregnancy and Beyond Resource Guide

 

Use this guide to learn about our New Baby, New LifeSM program and how you can support your well-being during pregnancy. You can request a printed version by calling Member Services.

 

Pregnancy-and-beyond Resource Guide (English) - coming soon

 

Pregnancy-and-beyond Resource Guide (Spanish) - coming soon

Get answers to your questions

 

The Health A to Z library has answers to your questions on topics such as pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

 

Explore pregnancy and childbirth topics 

 

Explore newborn growth and development topics 

Thinking about having a baby?

 

There are steps you can take early on to have a healthy pregnancy — and 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.

Planning for pregnancy resources in Ohio

 

Preconception health and healthcare 

 

Show Your Love preconception healthcare app 

Once you find out you’re pregnant

 

 Schedule an appointment with your obstetrics (OB) healthcare provider.

  • Prenatal care is very important for you and your baby. Your OB healthcare provider will ask about your health, perform a physical exam, and tell you your baby’s due date.
  • If you don’t have an OB healthcare provider, use our Find Care tool to find one near you.

 

 Complete an OB Health Screener

  • This screener will help us customize the care and support we provide you throughout your pregnancy. Complete an OB Health Screener in our Concierge Care digital app or with an Anthem MyCare associate.

 

 Take care of yourself:

  • Eat healthy foods, stay active, and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
  • Go to your healthcare provider and dentist regularly.
  • Keep your vaccines up to date.
  • Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Having a healthy pregnancy

 

Getting the support you need throughout your pregnancy can help you feel better and embrace the journey. With our Concierge Care maternity app, you’ll receive helpful tips and advice before and after your baby is born. You can get information that is relevant to you on the schedule that works for you. You can also use the app to connect with the OB care team.

Supporting your partner when they’re pregnant

 

There are many things you can do to support your partner during pregnancy. Encourage them to seek early and regular prenatal care and attend appointments and birthing classes as a couple. Encourage your partner to take other important steps such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, staying active and eating healthy, and finding ways to reduce stress during pregnancy.

 

During this time, it is also important for you to take care of yourself. As you encourage your partner to take important steps to stay healthy, take these steps together:

 

 Visit your healthcare provider
 

 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

 

This can be an exciting time for you. Your role as a parent is very important to the health and development of your baby, and you may have a lot of questions about caring for your newborn.

Taking care of you and your baby

 

Being a new parent is an exciting time, but it can bring some unexpected challenges.

 

Postpartum depression can occur after pregnancy. For more information on postpartum depression, talk to your OB healthcare provider. You can also contact Postpartum Support International (PSI) at 800-944-4PPD (800-944-4773) (TTY 711).

 

In addition to talking with your healthcare provider, there are many resources available to help keep you healthy, both physically and emotionally. There are also many resources to help you make sure your baby is safe, happy and healthy.

 

Feeding support

 

  Anthem MyCare may cover the cost of a breast pump. Call Member Services to ask how you can receive a breast pump.
 

  The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program can help with breastfeeding support. Visit the WIC website or call your local WIC office.

 

 La Leche League’s mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. To learn more or to get support, visit the La Leche website or call the La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline at 877-452-5324.

Navigating the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

 

If your baby is born prematurely or has a serious health condition, they may have been admitted to the NICU. We believe the more you understand about the NICU and your baby’s specific needs, the better equipped you'll be to provide the best care for them.

 

Helpful Resources:

 

 Graham’s Foundation provides support, advocacy, and research for preemies and their families.
 

 The MyPreemie app provides support to parents and families with preemies.
 

 Compass by March of Dimes™ app provides answers, tools, and support so you can focus on your baby during this time.

Coping with the loss of a baby

 

Losing a baby is a very painful experience. If you are dealing with the loss of your baby, it is important to have a circle of support. Here are some resources you might find helpful:

 

First Candle 

Support for families who have experienced an infant loss due to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Call 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 800-821-6819 (TTY 711).

 

MISS Foundation 

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

Support and resources

Community Resource Link

 

Get help finding food, jobs, housing, and other things you may need.

 

Visit Community Resource Link 

Concierge Care Maternity

 

Explore Concierge Care Maternity 

Infant Safe Haven

 

Learn about safe-haven laws in your state and what to do if you can’t care for your newborn.

 

Review Infant Safe Haven laws 

Interactive tool: From embryo to baby in 9 months

 

Watch how a baby grows and changes inside the womb.

 

Use interactive tool 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

Visit CDC Reproductive Health website 

National Tobacco Quit Line

 

Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) (TTY 711).

 

Smokefree Women

 

Visit Smokefree Women website 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

 

It’s okay to feel lost, especially during one of the most physically demanding life events you will have. If you’re unsure how to stop your substance use during pregnancy, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) (TTY 800-487-4889)

 

You can also review Decisions in Recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder handbook.

March of Dimes

 

March of Dimes works to make quality maternal care easy to have for all parents and their babies.

Childbirth checklist for partners

 

Know what to expect when your partner goes into labor. Check out the BabyCenter: Childbirth cheat sheet.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

 

Visit WIC website 

Transportation

 

Additional transportation benefits are available to pregnant members. Check your plan documents or call Member Services to learn more.