Pregnancy
Step-by-Step:
Health
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Need help with the cost of the visit? Visit Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid) to see if you qualify for coverage and learn how to apply. Healthy Louisiana’s Find a Provider tool makes it easy to find a doctor in your area. Be sure to select Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) under “Specialty” to see doctors who specialize in caring for pregnant people.
Habits
Right now, it’s super important to develop healthy habits! Getting enough rest is key. Tip: you may find that lying your left side is more comfortable during pregnancy. Make sure you eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and get regular exercise. Talk to your doctor about the safest ways to eat and exercise during pregnancy.
In addition to starting healthy habits, it’s also important to stop unhealthy habits! Things like smoking, drinking, and using illegal drugs affect you and your baby’s health. Again, ask your doctor about easy steps to curbing some of these habits.
We know that some habits are hard to break. Here are a few resources to help you stay on track:
- Quitting Drinking: Find a treatment center or Find a support group near you.
- Quitting Drugs: Find a treatment center near you.
- Quitting Smoking: Call 1.800.QUIT.NOW or visit QuitWithUsLA.org
Helping Hands
Need more support during your pregnancy?
The Bureau of Family Health supports families with coaching services like the Louisiana Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). NFP pairs first-time mothers in their 2nd or 3rd trimester with a registered nurse, who visits every two weeks and offers advice on your health, the baby’s health, and getting ready for parenting. If you’re a first-time mom and eligible for Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid), then contact your local NFP representative to learn more.
Healthy Start offers classes, transportation, supplies for baby, referrals and much more. For more info, see the Parent & Caregiver Support: Programs and Services tab.
For free advice and ongoing support, sign up for helpful texts from Text4Baby! Text “BABY” or “BEBE” to 511411 – or download the Text4Baby apps for iOS and Android devices.
And don’t forget: supplemental nutrition programs are available for moms, too! Visit Louisiana WIC to see if you’re eligible and learn how to apply.
Health
When you visit your doctor, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Here are a few to get you started:
- Can you recommend a local childbirth class?
- Could you tell me more about the benefits of breastfeeding?
- Would parenting classes help me get ready for the future?
- How much weight will I gain during pregnancy?
Morning sickness (including nausea & vomiting) occurs in about half of pregnant women during their first trimester. Despite the name, these symptoms can actually occur at any time of day! Talk to your doctor if you’re feeling overwhelmed by morning sickness.
If you notice any of these warning signs, call your doctor right away:
- Baby’s moving much less or pushing down really hard (after 19 weeks)
- Blurred vision
- Burning or painful urination
- Chills, fever, or rash
- Cramping or abdominal pain that may feel like your period
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
- Leaking of fluid from the vagina
- Seizures
- Severe headaches and vomiting
- Sudden swelling in your hands, feet, or face
- You experience more than 6 contractions in one hour
Habits
Believe it or not, your dental health is super important during pregnancy. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially around your gums. Visit a dentist . To find one near you who accepts Medicaid, call 1-877-455-9955.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. We know it can be difficult, but WIC can help make it more affordable. Check out the WIC website for more details.
Drink a lot of fluids. Juices (not “juice cocktails”—read the label!), milk, and water are all great. Avoid caffeine in soft drinks, coffee, and tea. And you should not drink alcohol during your pregnancy.
Prevent Infection
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common virus that affects people of all ages. 1 in 3 pregnant women who become infected with CMV will pass the virus to their unborn child. In older children and adults, symptoms of a CMV infection are usually no worse than the common cold or flu. However, CMV infection in an unborn baby can lead to serious health complications, including hearing loss or deafness, intellectual disabilities, seizures, vision loss or other long-term disabilities.
CMV spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva or breast milk. CMV is common in healthy children ages 1 to 3 years who attend day care, so pregnant women who care for young children may be more likely to get CMV. To prevent infection, you should:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after changing diapers or wiping a child’s nose or mouth.
- Avoid kissing young children on or near their mouths. Kiss them on the forehead instead!
- Don’t share utensils, drinks, or toothbrushes with children under age 6.
- Clean or disinfect toys and surfaces that come into contact with a child’s saliva or urine.
Visit nationalcmv.org for more information.
Helping Hands
Depression affects a lot of women during pregnancy. There’s a lot changing and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re feeling tired, sad, or lost, give Partners for Healthy Babies a call at 1-800-251-BABY (2229).
Healthy Start offers classes, transportation, supplies for baby, referrals and much more.
The Nurse-Family Partnership can send a nurse to visit you every other week and help give advice for your health, the baby’s health, parenting tips, and other resources available in your area until your baby is two years old! If you’re a first-time mom and eligible for Medicaid, you might qualify.
Text4baby– For ongoing, free advice, sign up for helpful texts from Text4baby. Text “BABY” or “BEBE” to 511411. For more information, visit Text4baby.org.
Health
Dental health is most important during the second and third trimesters. You may notice that your gums are swelling and bleeding. If you don’t already do so, start brushing twice a day, especially around your gums. Schedule a visit with your dentist, too. To find a dentist who accepts Medicaid, call 1-877-455-9955.
If you notice any of these warning signs, call your doctor right away:
- Baby’s moving much less or pushing down really hard (after 19 weeks)
- Blurred vision
- Burning or painful urination
- Chills, fever, or rash
- Cramping or abdominal pain that may feel like your period
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
- Leaking of fluid from the vagina
- More than 6 contractions in one hour
- Seizures
- Severe headaches and vomiting
- Sudden swelling in your hands, feet or face
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Habits
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. We know it can be difficult at times, but WIC can help make it more affordable. Visit WIC’s website for more information.
Drink a lot of fluids. Juices (not “juice cocktails”—read the label!), milk, and water are all great. Avoid caffeine in soft drinks, coffee, and tea. And avoid drinking any alcohol during your pregnancy!
Helping Hands
Depression affects many women during pregnancy. There’s a lot changing, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re feeling tired, sad, or lost, we’re here to help. Call at 1-800-251-BABY (2229).
Healthy Start offers classes, transportation, supplies for baby, referrals and much more.
If you are under 29 weeks pregnant and a first time mom, you may qualify for the Nurse-Family Partnership program. Once you enroll, the program will send a nurse to visit you every other week to offer health advice, discuss parenting tips, and connect you with resources in your area. You can continue these visits until your baby is two years old!
For free health tips, sign up for texts from Text4baby. Text “BABY” or “BEBE” to 511411. For more information, visit Text4baby.org.
Health
It’s time to find a doctor for your baby! Ask your current doctor for a referral to a pediatrician. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, your baby will be automatically enrolled in LaCHIP, Louisiana’s Medicaid program for children. Even if YOU don’t qualify for Medicaid, your child may qualify for LaCHIP. Click here to learn more about LaCHIP.
Habits
Cribs, Car seats, & Clothes. It’s time to go shopping! Your baby will need a car seat to get home from the hospital. It’s not just a good idea; it’s the law. They will also need their own sleeping space to rest safely. If you can’t afford a crib, a pack n’ play will work, too! Finally, you should start looking for clothing for the little one.
Breastfeeding. We can’t recommend it enough! Breastmilk is the best food you can give your little one. It can also help you lose weight and lower your risk for depression. La Leche League (LLL), has useful resources for mothers and mothers-to-be. Click here to find a LLL group near you. And check out the Breastfeeding Support tab on our Social Services page for more info.
Call 1-800-251-BABY (2229) to get connect with local breastfeeding support groups.
Learn the signs of labor. Make sure to learn the signs of labor, so you know when it’s time to head to the hospital.
When your water breaks, fluid leaks from your vagina. It may come out in a large gush or a small trickle. When this happens, you should call your doctor. Most women start having regular contractions before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. Labor usually follows soon after your water breaks.
Get ready for delivery. Make a plan for getting to the hospital from work or home when it’s time for the baby to come. If you have other kids, remember to arrange for childcare. And remember to relax. Babies tend to arrive when they are ready, which isn’t always on your due date.
Pack your hospital bag ahead of time. You’ll want to include clothes, toiletries, and anything else that might keep you comfortable. Most hospitals will provide the basics for your newborn. Still, you’ll want to bring a receiving blanket and baby’s going home outfit. Don’t forget to install the car seat so you can bring your baby home safely!
Helping Hands
You can find help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more by calling 2-1-1.
If you or someone you know is not ready to take care of a newborn baby, Louisiana’s Safe Haven Law offers parents a safe, legal option. More information regarding the Safe Haven is available by calling toll-free: 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373). Or you can click here for more info.
For ongoing, free advice, sign up for helpful texts from Text4baby. Text “BABY” or “BEBE” to 511411. For more information, visit Text4baby.org.