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Taking care of your health during pregnancy

Life changes when you become a mom. Maybe you’ll become a new mom through pregnancy. Others may become new moms by being a foster parent or through adoption. If your path to becoming a mom includes pregnancy, you might be wondering what surprises await you and how best to prepare for what’s ahead before your baby arrives. Here are some resources to help you along the way.

Get support for you and your baby from the start

Having a baby may be exciting, but it’s also important to have support. Make sure your support team includes a doctor or nurse. Watch our video to see why it’s essential to keep up with doctor appointments before and after your baby is born, even during COVID-19.

Helping you prepare for a healthy pregnancy

Video transcript

WOMAN 1: I always wanted to be a mom, so I was thrilled when I found out I was pregnant.

WOMAN 2: I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter.

WOMAN 3: For the first few months, I didn't even know how to tell my mom.

WOMAN 1: But then, nothing went as planned. My marriage ended before my son was born and I didn't have anyone to turn to.

WOMAN 2: Suddenly, I was responsible for another person.

WOMAN 1: Even as a nurse, it was hard to accept that I had postpartum depression.

WOMAN 2: Having a baby is exciting, but you need a team. Friends and family are important, but make sure a nurse or a doctor are a major player on your team.

WOMAN 3: I've worked with enough pregnant women to know that prenatal appointments help catch complications, whether you have symptoms or not.

WOMAN 2: Whether this is your first child or you've been down this road before, schedule your prenatal appointment at eight weeks or as soon as you find out you're pregnant. It's essential for your health and your baby's.

WOMAN 3: Your care provider can also help connect you with resources like diaper and healthy food programs.

WOMAN 1: And don't forget your postpartum appointment, it's so important to take care of yourself, too. Check in with your doctor two weeks and six weeks after you give birth to discuss how you're feeling.

WOMAN 2: If you have questions or concerns on how COVID-19 can impact your pregnancy or your appointment schedule, reach out to your doctor or health plan, immediately.

WOMAN 3: Visit everypregnancy.com for resources to answer your questions and help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

WOMAN 1: We are here for you.

What should you expect at your appointments?

Start our video series at 8 weeks into your pregnancy and continue to 2 weeks after your baby’s birth. You’ll get help to know what to expect at each appointment.

Watch what to expect at your appointments

Preparing for a new baby

Expecting moms may feel both excitement and stress when preparing for a baby’s arrival. That’s natural. And it’s why there are federal and state programs you can turn to. They may be able to help you get the support and supplies you need for your new baby.

Learn how to get what you need for a new baby

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is the care you receive while you’re pregnant. If you think you could be pregnant, schedule a doctor’s appointment for early prenatal care. It’s a good way to start on a path to a healthy pregnancy.

Learn more about prenatal care

Self-care tips for expecting and new moms

Self-care starts with knowing what resources may be available to you during and after your pregnancy. Follow this list of helpful tips to help keep tabs on your health.

Learn about self-care for new and expecting moms

What about eating and exercise during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, healthy choices can make a difference. Eating a balanced diet. Keeping up with a steady level of exercise. These are just a couple of ways to help support your baby’s growth and development.

Learn about healthy eating and exercise during pregnancy

Mental health during pregnancy

Expecting a new baby may make you feel excited, but also nervous. There may be worries about your baby. You may have feelings of stress or anxiety. You may have questions about handling substance use. Your provider may be able to help with concerns like anxiety and depression or substance use during pregnancy.

Anxiety and depression

Watch for signs of anxiety and depression. Being open with your care provider may help you get the support you need to start feeling better.

Learn about depression and anxiety during pregnancy

Substance use during pregnancy

If you struggle with alcohol, drug or cigarette use, you may be worried about the impact on your baby. Your care provider can help you create a plan for managing your substance use.

Learn how to manage substance use during pregnancy

Quiz: What should you know about having a healthy pregnancy?

Take a healthy pregnancy quiz. It’s a quick way to check out what you already know about pregnancy and pick up some new healthy pregnancy tips too.

Take the healthy pregnancy quiz

Get support before, during and after pregnancy

Maternity support

Maternity support provides resources to help you throughout your pregnancy. Whether you’re thinking about having a baby or have one on the way, online resources are available to help you get the information and support you need throughout your pregnancy and after giving birth.

If you're a UnitedHealthcare member, sign in to myuhc.com to watch maternity video courses to learn what to expect during each trimester, plus get tips on nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, postpartum and more.

Learn more about maternity support

Breast pump coverage

Breastfeeding may be one of the many topics you’re thinking about as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Let’s go over some of the basics of breastfeeding and explain coverage for breast pumps.

Learn about breast pump coverage

Healthy first steps

If you are a UnitedHealthcare Community Plan member, you may be eligible to earn rewards for attending prenatal, postpartum and children’s wellness appointments. Learn more at uhchealthyfirststeps.com or call 1-800-599-5985, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM local time.

Wellhop for Mom & Baby

In participating states, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan members are invited to join an exciting new program: Wellhop for Mom & Baby. Connect with other expectant moms for support during your pregnancy and beyond. It all happens online through group video conversations every other week, so comfort is just a click away.

Sign up at momandbaby.wellhop.com

Or simply download the Wellhop for Mom and Baby app

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The information provided under maternity support is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical and/or nutritional advice. Participants should consult an appropriate health care professional to determine what may be right for them. Employers are responsible for ensuring that any wellness programs they offer to their employees comply with applicable state and/or federal law, including, but not limited to, GINA, ADA and HIPAA wellness regulations, which in many circumstances contain maximum incentive threshold limits for all wellness programs combined that are generally limited to 30 percent of the cost of self-only coverage of the lowest-cost plan, as well as obligations for employers to provide certain notices to their employees. Employers should discuss these issues with their own legal counsel.

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.