Guidelines for a Healthy Pregnancy

Prenatal care during pregnancy can help both mother and child stay healthy. Even if you’ve had other children, you need prenatal care during each pregnancy.

Doctor visits

As soon as you think you’re pregnant, see your doctor to make sure that you and your baby are healthy. Talk with your doctor about special care you may need and ask any questions you may have about your pregnancy. Your doctor may develop a different plan of care for you depending on your individual needs.

After the first visit see your doctor:

• Every 4   to 5 weeks through 28 weeks

• Every 2 to 3 weeks from 28 weeks until 36 weeks

• Every week after 36 weeks

Education

Having a baby will bring some big changes to your routine and lifestyle. Babies don’t come with instruction manuals, so you’ll have a lot to learn about your newborn. During your pregnancy your doctor may talk with you about any of the following topics:

• Childbirth classes

• Newborn car seat

• Signs and symptoms to report

• Physical and sexual activity

• Environmental/work hazards

• Use of over-the-counter items, including herbal products

• Labor signs

• Anesthesia plans

• Analgesia plans

• Nutrition and appropriate weight gain

• Healthy lifestyle

• Travel

• Toxoplasmosis precautions

• Breast- and bottle-feeding

• Tobacco, drug and alcohol use

• Vaginal birth after cesarean section counseling

• Circumcision

• Domestic violence

• Depression

• Avoiding HIV infection

Healthy infants should be placed on their backs when being put to sleep. While you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to choose a doctor for your baby (pediatrician).

Please note that the following services may not be covered benefits under your plan. Call the Member Services number on your ID card to verify coverage.

Each visit your doctor assesses:

• Your height, weight, blood pressure

• Your urine for glucose and protein

• Fetal heart rate (after 12 weeks) and baby’s growth

• Signs and symptoms of depression

• Signs of bleeding, leakage, other problems

0–13 weeks

During your first trimester, your doctor will perform an evaluation to determine if you are at high risk for any condition. This should include:

• Family history/social history

• Medical and pregnancy history

• Lab work (including hemoglobin, hematocrit, urinalysis, Pap test)

• Physical exam

• Genetic risk assessment and birth defect counseling

• Hepatitis B surface antigen, blood type and Rh factor antibody

• Rubella, syphilis and HIV screening

• Screening for fetal abnormalities

Your doctor might perform special tests if you are   high risk for any of these conditions: hepatitis A, B and C, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), tuberculosis (TB) exposure, sickle cell anemia, diabetes or cystic fibrosis.

14–26 weeks

Your doctor will check you for some high-risk conditions. Some of the tests your doctor might perform include:

• Alpha-fetoprotein screening (15–18 weeks)

• Glucose screening for diabetes (approximately 24–28 weeks)

• Rh factor for antibody screening (approximately 26–28 weeks)

Your doctor may recommend a flu shot during flu season.

27–42 weeks

During your third trimester, your doctor might perform the following:

• Group B strep screen (35–37 weeks)

• Blood test (including hemoglobin and hematocrit)

• Evaluation for STDs (32–36 weeks)

Your doctor may recommend a flu shot during flu season.

4–6 weeks after delivery

(If you have a C-section or difficult pregnancy, a visit to the doctor may be advised 7–14 days after the birth)

• Physical exam, including weight and blood pressure

• Check for signs of depression

• Nutritional counseling, including breast-feeding

• Review methods of birth control

• Preconceptional counseling