Planning for Baby

Having a healthy baby starts before you’re pregnant. When you’re healthy, you’ll be more likely to have an easy pregnancy. Your baby will be more likely to be healthy too. You should take good care of your health before you become pregnant.

Go to all preventive care visits

Going to all your visits can make sure you’re healthy. If there are any issues that may affect your pregnancy, they can be spotted early. If you are planning to become pregnant, be sure to have:

  • Annual physical exams
  • Chlamydia screens (for women 24 and under)
  • Cervical cancer screens
  • Diabetes screens

You can take a look at our full list of preventive care activities. Ask your primary care provider (PCP) if other tests are needed. You may be able to earn rewards for going to your visits.

Go to routine dental visits

Making sure your teeth and gums are in good shape is key before you become pregnant. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy while pregnant can become a challenge. This happens for reasons you can’t control  when you are pregnant, like  morning sickness. Going to your visits before you become pregnant is a vital step.

To learn more, see our brochure on pregnancy and oral health.

Don’t use tobacco

If you are a smoker, it’s best to quit smoking before getting pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy can cause many problems for your baby, such as:

  • Miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Premature birth
  • A low birth weight
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Asthma and other breathing problems

If you need support to quit smoking, call the Quitline at 1-877-270-STOP (1-877-270-7867). 

Preganancy

Think you might be pregnant? Need a pregnancy test?

 You can get a  one each month* for free. Talk to the pharmacist about getting your free test. Want to learn about other benefits  you have at no cost you?

*Limit one test per member per month

Explore Extra Perks

Use opioid painkillers? Talk to your PCP right away

Have you been prescribed opioid painkillers, like Vicodin or Percocet? If so, it’s vital that you let your PCP know about your plans to have a baby. This way, they can come up with another solution to help you manage pain, like nonopioid options for chronic pain. Even if opioid painkillers are prescribed to you, they can be harmful to your baby during pregnancy. They can cause problems like:

  • Birth defects
  • Premature birth
  • A low birth weight.
  • Small head circumference
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Have you been prescribed opioid painkillers, like Vicodin or Percocet?  It’s vital that you let your PCP know about your plans to have a baby.  They can come up with  a way to help  with your pain. This can be neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Even if  opioids are prescribed, they can be harmful to your baby. They can cause problems like:

  • Body shakes, seizures, twitching and tight muscles
  • Fussiness, crying a lot or having a high-pitched cry
  • Poor feeding/sucking or slow weight gain
  • Breathing problems,  this can be breathing really fast
  • Fever, sweating or blotchy skin
  • Trouble sleeping and lots of yawning
  • Diarrhea or throwing up
  • Stuffy nose or sneezing

Are you dealing with substance use disorder? If you are, we’re here to help you. Call the CareSource Substance Use Hotline at 1-833-674-6437.

Set up a pre-conception care visit with your PCP

Before  you get pregnant, set up a pre-conception care visit with your PCP. During this visit, your  they will go over:

  • Issues you’ve had with pregnancy in the past.
  • Medications you’re taking right now.
  • Vaccinations that you might need before pregnancy.
  • Other steps you can take before pregnancy.

Family Planning Info

Pregnancy and Family Planning

During Pregnancy

After Pregnancy

Member Services: 1-855-202-0729 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.