Resources for support before pregnancy
Check your specific health plan to see which programs and resources are available. They can help you get the support you need and may be included at no extra cost.
Fertility treatments and alternative pregnancy options
There are many ways to build a family, on your own or with a partner. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, talk with your doctor. You may be eligible for fertility treatments or other ways to build your family. Options may include fertility care, donor eggs or sperm, surrogacy or adoption.
Supportive care during pregnancy
Digital maternity support
The digital maternity support program is here to help you through every step of pregnancy. You’ll find easy-to-follow videos, information picked for you and helpful tips — from getting ready for pregnancy to caring for your new baby. Learn how to get ready for pregnancy, eat well and stay active, understand each trimester, breastfeed and more.
Doula services
A doula is a trained professional who offers nonmedical support, helpful information and guidance during pregnancy, birth and recovery after birth. Doulas can help you make informed choices and find care, services and support groups. More health plans now cover doula services.
Postpartum resources for care after birth
Breast pump coverage and lactation counseling
Most health plans must cover care for mothers and newborns. This includes breast pumps and breastfeeding support from a doula or lactation consultant for as long as you breastfeed.1 You may get lactation counseling or classes from a network provider during an office or outpatient visit.
Breastfeeding support can help you feel more confident feeding your baby. Many health plans cover breast pumps and lactation counseling at little or no cost. This coverage applies to ACA Marketplace plans, most Medicaid plans and other qualified health plans. Some grandfathered plans may not include this coverage.1
Reproductive health checkups
Your OB/GYN is a doctor who cares for your reproductive health. Follow-up visits with an OB/GYN are an important part of postpartum care. Your provider can check how you’re healing, talk with you about physical or emotional changes and answer your questions.
For example, your provider will check your blood pressure to screen for postpartum preeclampsia. Your provider may talk to you about what symptoms to look for and when to seek care, even if you didn’t have high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Mental health support during and after pregnancy
Behavioral and mental health support
Pregnancy and life with a new baby can feel overwhelming. Watch for signs of anxiety, social isolation and postpartum depression. Tell your provider if you have mental health concerns.
If you’re having any thoughts of harming yourself or others, support is available 24/7 through the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
Additional programs may be available to members with health plans through work
If you have an employer-sponsored health plan, you may have access to the following pregnancy support programs at no additional cost.
Pregnancy support for Medicaid members
Medicaid covers care before, during and after pregnancy. In most states, this includes:
- Checkups and ultrasounds
- Prenatal vitamins
- Needed care during pregnancy and birth, including a hospital or birth center stay
- Care after birth
More than half of states cover doula care through Medicaid or are working to add it. UnitedHealthcare is also working to offer doula care in states where Medicaid does not cover it.
My Maternity Journey
Your pregnancy is a special journey, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you have a UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plan, you can use My Maternity Journey. It’s made for members like you, to help you feel ready and supported. My Maternity Journey offers:
- Rewards for taking healthy actions2
- 24/7 access to articles and tips
- Virtual support groups for new and expecting moms
- Extra help if you qualify — like care managers and programs for high blood pressure
Other benefits may be available to you, such an included breast pump, rides to doctor visits and more.3
More resources for new parents
If you qualify for assistance, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program can help you get healthy food during pregnancy and after your baby is born. It also offers food for mothers who breastfeed. Your health plan may offer other food programs near you.
Other state, federal and community programs may also help new mothers who qualify.