A healthy pregnancy can mean a healthier baby. That’s why it’s so important to get prenatal care.
What prenatal testing and services are covered by my insurance plan?
Health insurance provides some or full coverage for prenatal care. Prenatal care includes doctor visits during the first, second and third trimesters as well as tests or lab work. Labor, delivery and post-delivery in a hospital are considered maternity care. Be sure to check your plan for coverage details and cost-sharing you may have, such as a deductible, copays or coinsurance.
During your prenatal care visits, the doctor will check your weight and blood pressure, and track the baby’s growth. The doctor will offer information, advice and testing to help keep you and your baby healthy.
You may have an ultrasound during your pregnancy. Additional testing may be done for high-risk pregnancies, including moms age 35 and older.
Typical prenatal care services, tests or consultation topics:
- Alcohol and tobacco exposure and use
- Nutrition, healthy weight and physical activity
- Lactation/breastfeeding
- Folic acid supplements and prenatal vitamins
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) test
- Infection screening tests (group B strep, hepatitis B, HIV and others)
- Anemia and Rh compatibility test
- Selected immunizations (if approved by the FDA as safe for pregnant women)
What tests and screenings will my newborn need right after birth?
- Metabolic and hearing screening
- Erythromycin eye ointment
- Vitamin K injection to prevent bleeding disease
- Jaundice screening
- Hepatitis B vaccine
Before you leave the hospital, you’ll receive advice on nutrition, immunizations and healthy development for your newborn. Schedule follow-up exams for your baby with a pediatrician or family practice doctor.
Pregnancy care and maternity management
Any Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota or Blue Plus member can enroll in our maternity management program. The program gives expectant mothers access to online materials and resources and to a maternity coach. The coach is a registered nurse with experience in obstetrics. If the pregnancy is high risk, the maternity coach will contact you by telephone. Support includes answering questions or offering advice about the pregnancy and how to stay healthy, connecting you to resources, helping prepare for your baby’s arrival, and tips on how to stay happy and healthy after your baby is born.
More health resources for moms and newborns
Health insurance options for a new baby
8 tips for dental care during pregnancy
Preventive care for newborns
Vaccines for children
Preventive care for women