Pregnancy and Women’s Health in North Carolina

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 Taking Care of Baby and Me® 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

Our Health A to Z library has answers to your questions on topics such as pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Explore Pregnancy and Childbirth 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 North Carolina

Preconception health and healthcare 

Show Your Love preconception healthcare app 

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.

Once You Find Out You’re Pregnant

Schedule an appointment with your obstetrician (OB) healthcare provider.

• Prenatal care is very important for you and your baby. Your doctor 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. Call us toll free at the number on your ID card to complete our OB health screener.

Call to learn more about our New Baby, New Life℠ program and to get connected to an OB Case Manager.

Take care of you

• Eat healthy foods, stay active, and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
• Go to your doctor and dentist regularly.
• Keep your vaccines up-to-date.
• Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

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).

Feeding Support

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program can help with breastfeeding support. Visit the WIC website or call your local WIC office.

To get additional 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.

A NICU 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 NICU care management.

Additional resources:

• The MyPreemie app supports families with preemies.
  • Download on the App Store^®
  • Get it on Google Play™
• Graham’s Foundation provides support, advocacy, and research for preemies and their families.

Supporting Your Partner When They’re Pregnant

There are many things you can do to support your partner during pregnancy. Some examples include:

• Encouraging your partner to get early and regular prenatal care.
• Making sure your partner attends appointments and birthing classes.
• Helping your partner avoid tobacco and alcohol, stay active, eat healthy, and find ways to reduce stress during pregnancy.

During this time, it’s 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 doctor.
• 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.

Pregnancy be an exciting time for you. Your role as a parent is very important to the health and development of your baby, even if you aren’t pregnant yourself. You may have a lot of questions, but we’re here to help.

Teens: Taking Care of Your Health and Planning for the Future

You may have questions about sex, relationships, body changes, birth control, or other topics. Getting regular checkups gives you a chance to ask your healthcare provider these questions and to talk about any other concerns. You’re allowed to ask your doctor if they can answer your questions without a parent in the room.