Pregnancy and wellness in Virginia

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)

 Pregnancy-and-beyond Resource Guide (Spanish)

 

 

 

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 Virginia

 

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 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 HealthKeepers Plus associate

 

Sign up for Healthy Rewards

 

You may be able to earn incentives for going to your prenatal and postpartum visits. To join in our Healthy Rewards program, visit the Benefit Reward Hub or call the Healthy Rewards Customer Service Line at 888-990-8681 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time.

 

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.  

 

Download our Concierge Care Maternity app today so you can take an OB Health Screener that will help us customize your care.

 

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, an OB care manager may reach out to you. You can also speak to a care manager if you need help. Just call Member Services and request a referral to OB care management. 

 

 

 

Supporting your partner when they’re pregnant

 

There are many things you can do to support your partner during pregnancy. Encourage your partner 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 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

 

HealthKeepers, Inc. 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 premature 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. 

 

We extend our support by helping you to prepare yourself and your home for when your baby is released from the hospital. After your baby is home, our case managers continue to provide education and assistance in improving your baby’s health, preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions, and guiding you to community resources if needed.  
 

The NICU can be a stressful place, bringing unique challenges and concerns you may have never imagined. The anxiety and stress related to having a baby in the NICU can potentially lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents and caregivers. To reduce the impact of PTSD among our members, we assist by: 

• Helping you engage with hospital-based support programs
• Facilitating screenings for potential PTSD 
• Connecting you with behavioral health program resources and community support as needed
• Actively asking for your feedback on the provided resources and how an increased awareness of PTSD has helped you 

 

If you have a baby in the NICU, a NICU case manager may reach out to you. You can also speak to a case manager if you need help. Just call Member Services and request a referral to NICU Case Management.   

 

Helpful Resources:

 

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

 

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