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Maternity health

Taking care of yourself is especially important when you are thinking about having children. Understanding what to expect and planning for it can help. Check out this stage-by-stage roundup of maternity health resources for wherever you are on your maternity journey.

Planning for baby
Prenatal care
  • Getting regular healthcare visits and screenings from the start of your pregnancy can lead to healthier births. Search for OB/GYNs and certified nurse midwives in your plan’s network through the Find a doctor tool.
  • Schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN or midwife if you think you are pregnant or as soon as you receive a positive pregnancy test.
  • Know what to expect during every trimester. Reach out to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Many pregnancy screenings are considered preventive and available at no extra cost.
  • Maven, our prenatal virtual support program, is included for most Blue Shield of California members. 
Delivery
  • Maven offers access to virtual Midwifes, Doulas, Care Advocates, and resources on creating a birth plan. The program is included at no additional cost for most Blue Shield of California members.  
  • Learn more about labor and delivery.
  • Within 60 days of birth be sure to add your newborn as a dependent.

Postpartum support

  • Visiting your healthcare provider after giving birth ensures you’re healing physically and emotionally. The visit usually happens 4-6 weeks after vaginal deliveries and two weeks after a Caesarean section.
  • Many plans cover lactation support for eligible nursing mothers. Check your plan coverage. The Lactation Network is also a resource for finding licensed lactation specialists in your area.
  • Learn about breast pump coverage.
  • Maven (virtual) support is available for up to 3 months of postpartum for most Blue Shield of California members.
  • Teladoc Health is another virtual option to get the support you need for mental and physical health concerns.
  • Both Maven and Teladoc Health support birthing parents as well as their partners.
  • Some new parents can experience intense sadness, anxiety, and fatigue after childbirth. This is known as postpartum depression. Ask your OB/GYN for help. Care and treatment is available.
  • Search behavioral health resources (in-person and virtual) and physical therapists using our Find a doctor tool.

Pregnancy loss support

  • In a time of grief, you are not alone. Members can enroll with Maven up to 12 months following a pregnancy loss or termination.
  • Maven will provide virtual support and guidance from mental health providers, relationship coaches, OB/GYNs, and reproductive endocrinologists. Members also get access to community support through the broader Maven member community.
  • For more support, visit CredibleMind | Support for Infertility and Pregnancy Loss
Additional resources

Essentials that you can pay for with a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account include:

  • Prenatal vitamins
  • Office visits (prenatal and postpartum)
  • Breast pumps
Good to know

 

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FAQ

What is included in maternity health? 

Maternity health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. *

What are some types of maternity care?

  • Regular checkups with your healthcare team before and during pregnancy and after delivery.
  • Staying up to date on recommended vaccines before, during, and after pregnancy. Vaccines give your baby protection from day one.
  • Managing chronic conditions  like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Talking to your doctor about taking vitamins to help your baby grow, such as folic acid and prenatal vitamins. Practicing mindfulness or meditation.
  • Taking a yoga class.
  • Getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

Find more healthy pregnancy information.

What benefits are covered for maternity care with my plan?  

  • Coverage for prenatal and postpartum visits.
  • Coverage for ultrasounds and other diagnostics during your maternity journey.
  • Coverage for labor and delivery.
  • Breast pump coverage.
  • Programs offered by Maven to support you and your family during the stages of maternity, including virtual doula support, parenting, and pediatrics.

For specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs, review your plan benefits.

*Source: World Health Organization

Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Shield Association.

Maven is available to most Blue Shield members and their dependents through three months postpartum. Check your plan for coverage information. Maven is independent of Blue Shield of California and is contracted by Blue Shield to provide maternity benefits including care advocacy, virtual consultations, coaching, and education. Maven is not intended to replace your in-person providers. Maven® is a registered trademark of Maven Clinic Co. All rights reserved.

For more help and resources, visit blueshieldca.com or contact Member Services at the number on your member ID card. If you do not have your ID card, you can call (800) 393-6130 (TTY:711).

Blue Shield of California is not a healthcare provider and does not provide medical advice. This is for informational purposes only.  Consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding medical services.

You may receive services from network providers on an in-person basis or via telehealth, if available. Contact your primary care provider, treating specialist, facility, or other health professional to learn whether telehealth is an option. Network telehealth and in-person services are subject to the same timeliness and geographic access standards. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, they are subject to your plan’s cost-sharing obligations and balance billing protections.