Insurance
Resources
One of the first things you need to take care of is updating
All of this information can be so overwhelming. It might
your health insurance. This is important because you will
be confusing to know where to turn for help or scary to
want to cover your pregnancy-related medical expenses and
share your personal information with a strange doctor.
your newborn baby. Updating your health insurance can be
But
overwhelming, but your case manager can help you update
for smart phones that can give you a community of other
your Medicaid Managed Care Plan or Child-in-Care Medicaid.
pregnant women to lean on for support. You can typically
Care coordinators can also help you access and understand
find apps that are free; however, some may charge a small
your insurance needs to help make sure you receive the
fee to uSe them. These apps are also great because they can
services and care you and your growing baby need.
help you track your baby’s anticipated growth, your exercise
I'm Pregnant. Now What ?
you can do this! There are pregnancy-related apps
activities, and the number of kicks and contractions you have. Once you get your health insurance updated, schedule prenatal care visits with a specialty doctor referred to as an
hh What to Expect and The Bump are two such
O.B./OBGYN. Meeting a new doctor can be scary, but prenatal
free apps that will offer an online support group for
care is so very important for your health and the health of your
parents-to-be
baby. Visit this webpage for the recommended schedule of visits: https://wb.md/2Hjgn9R; your doctor and nurses will help schedule all the necessary appointments.
hh Text4Baby app, is an app that sends text messages about the developing baby as well as alert you to your upcoming appointments There are also pregnancy-related websites you can visit to find information about common pregnancy-related symptoms such as cramping and soreness. Planned Parenthood is a pregnancy-related website that provides support and guidance on several aspects related to pregnancy. Be cautious about these websites, as the information is not always accurate or up-to-date. If you have questions regarding your health or pregnancy it is always best to contact your doctor’s office and speak to a nurse or the doctor. Remember,
you can do this and there are people and resources to help!
DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS PAMPHLET ON OUR WEBSITE: FICW.FSU.EDU/TOOLKITS
hh INSURANCE hh STAYING HEALTHY hh PRENATAL CARE hh RESOURCES
FINDING OUT YOU ARE PREGNANT CAN BE BOTH
Staying Heallhy
During the prenatal care visits, your doctor will ask questions
EXCITING AND SCARY.
about the current medications you are taking (over-thecounter such as Tylenol, allergy medications, or prescribed
CHOOSING TO HAVE A BABY
medications), medical history information (including the birth father’s medical history, if possible), and any drug or
You might feel like you are unsure of what steps to take, if
alcohol use. While it may feel like an invasion of your privacy,
you have what it takes to be a parent, or wonder if you will be supported.
You are NOT alone.
Prenatal Care these questions are not designed to get you into trouble
Even the most prepared
or to be used against you in any way. However, the doctor
parents-to-be find themselves worrying and wondering.
needs to have a clear history for you, so that you and your
Mixed emotions, especially early on, are expected. One
baby can be healthy throughout the pregnancy. The doctor
thing that might help is talking to a trusted friend or family member, or really anyone who can help support you and help you feel confident and secure in your choices. However, it can be scary sharing your news, especially as a teen. Most people share their news at the 12-week mark, or the end of the first trimester, though having a small group
STAYING HEALTHY DURING PREGNANCY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR GROWING BABY.
help you manage stress and work through the emotions of pregnancy. This circle of support can also help you with tasks such as driving you to prenatal visits or helping you purchase maternity clothes. You will be going through a lot of changes quickly, so having that support to help manage the doctors’ appointments and accessing services or programs can be helpful. Reach out to your case manager early on, so that you can get all the help you deserve. This circle of support should support you and your decisions. Remember, you get to decide how to handle your pregnancy and which choice is best for you.
got pregnant or stopped having monthly periods). This information is used to determine an accurate due date for the baby to make sure your baby is growing and developing appropriately. Finally, you may have to give blood and have an exam, including tests to check for infections. It is really important that you complete all the necessary tests, even if they are uncomfortable, so you and your doctor can establish
of friends and family who know earlier can be helpful. Identifying and defining your sources of support, early on, can
will also ask questions about your last period (before you
You will want to take the recommended prenatal vitamins, which should include folic acid, every day as these will help prevent some birth defects. You will want to eat a wellbalanced diet so that you and your baby get the nutrients you both need. Exercising is also very important and can help you prepare for labor and delivery, give you more energy, and may help with sleep (which might become difficult as you get further along). Although it can be difficult to sleep during pregnancy, it is important to get plenty of rest and take rest breaks during the day. Smoking or using alcohol or drugs can be really dangerous during pregnancy. These can have negative effects on both you and your baby. It is okay if you struggle with any of these
an accurate baseline and monitor you and your baby throughout the pregnancy. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, your doctor is a good person to discuss anything that is ongoing or that you are unsure about. If you decide you do not want to keep the baby, the doctor is a good resource if you want information on pregnancy options counseling, such as adoption or services to end the pregnancy. Your doctor can also give you information on diet and exercise during pregnancy and offer referrals to community services for pregnancy- or parenting-related items such as diapers, car seats, clothes, etc.
CHOOSING TO HAVE A BABY
issues, just make sure you talk to your doctor so you can get the resources and help to quit—you and your baby deserve it! Continue to protect yourself during sexual activities as you can still contract sexually transmitted infections, which can hurt you or the baby. Make sure to use protection like condoms and talk to your nurse or doctor if you have questions.
CHOOSING TO HAVE A BABY AND BECOME A PARENT IS A LIFE-CHANGING DECISION.