Be sure that you are pregnant- get a pregnancy test by a medical professional.
Prenatal vitamins help prevent certain types of birth defects. You do not need a prescription for prenatal vitamins.
- Start pregnancy health care visits
Call to make your first pregnancy health care appointment as soon as you find out you are pregnant. You can get Medicaid or other assistance to help pay for the cost of these visits. Clinics are also available at low or no cost, even if you don’t have Medicaid. Don’t wait to make your first appointment!
- Talk to your health care provider about any concerns
Do not be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem busy. They want to know the problems and concerns you are having. Write down your questions so that you will remember to ask them.
- Enroll in WIC if you are eligible
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling to help pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well and stay healthy. WIC also provides breastfeeding education and support. Call to make your first WIC appointment as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
WIC is an equal opportunity provider. To qualify you must meet income guidelines and you must have a nutritional need. Please bring the following to your WIC certification appointment:
-Proof of address
-Identification
-Proof of income
-Person(s) applying for WIC
For questions about what to bring to your certification appointment, call 1-800-942-3678.
- Attend pregnancy education and support classes
Learn how to have a healthy pregnancy and how to get ready for the baby by going to pregnancy education/support classes.
- Learn about healthy behaviors
Drinking alcohol, smoking or using drugs during your pregnancy can harm your baby. Sexually transmitted diseases can spread to your baby and cause harmful effects. Unfortunately, domestic violence often begins or gets worse during pregnancy. Get help today for the health of you and your baby.
- Talk with your health care provider about your delivery
Ask about where you can deliver your baby. Plans must coordinate with the hospital so that when you get there, your medical records are waiting for you.
Bring your infant car seat with you to the hospital to bring your baby home. This is a state law.
Pregnancy is a time of great joy and excitement. Aim to be the best mother you can be. You can do it!
