Pregnancy and wellness in DC

Deciding if or when to have a baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whatever you choose, your Wellpoint District of Columbia, Inc. Medicaid plan is here for you.

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.

Coming soon.

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 DC

Preconception health and healthcare

Show Your Love preconception healthcare app

What to do when you find out you’re pregnant

Schedule an appointment with your obstetrician (OB) provider.

Prenatal care is very important for you and your baby. Your doctor will ask about your health, do a physical exam, and tell you your baby’s due date.
Who is your OB provider? If you don’t have one, use the Find Care tool to find a provider near you.

Stay healthy and strong.

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)

Enroll in Healthy Rewards.

You may be able to earn rewards for going to your prenatal and postpartum appointments. To enroll in our Healthy Rewards program, visit the Benefit Reward Hub or call the Healthy Rewards Customer Service Line at 888-990-8681 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Complete an OB Health Screener in our Concierge Care Maternity app or with a Wellpoint DC associate.

Connecting you with doula services in DC

Wellpoint DC now covers doula services. Doulas provide support to a mom before, during, and just after birth, as well as during the postpartum period. A doula does not replace a doctor or midwife and cannot deliver a baby.

For help finding a doula, please call Enrollee Services at 833-359-1384 (TTY 711).

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 can receive helpful tips and advice before and after your baby is born. You’ll get information that’s relevant to you on a schedule that works for you. You can also use the app to connect with the OB care team and take an OB health screener that will help us customize your care. Download our Concierge Care Maternity app today.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, an OB Case Manager may reach out to you.

You can also speak to a Case Manager if you need help. Just call Enrollee Services and request a referral to OB Case Management.

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

Wellpoint DC may cover the cost of a breast pump. Call Enrollee Services at 833-359-1384 (TTY 711) to ask how you can receive one.

The DC Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program can also help you with breastfeeding support. Visit the WIC website or call your local WIC office to learn more.

La Leche League is another great resource for breastfeeding 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 was born sick or premature and has been admitted to the NICU, you may be having a difficult time coping. We believe that the more you know, the better you will be able to care for your infant. We are here to help you feel more at ease with your baby’s stay in the NICU.

A NICU Case Manager may reach out to you. You can also speak to a Case Manager if you need help. Just call Enrollee Services and request a referral to NICU Case Management.

NICU resources

The MyPreemie app supports families with preemies.

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. Encourage your partner to seek early and regular prenatal care, and attend appointments and birthing classes as a couple. You should also encourage your partner to take other important steps during pregnancy, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, staying active, eating healthy, and finding ways to reduce stress.

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 (shots) 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

This can be an exciting time for you. Your role as a parent is very important to the health and development of your baby, and you may have a lot of questions about caring for your newborn.

Coping with the loss of a baby

Losing a baby is a very painful experience. If you are dealing with the loss of your baby, it is important to have a circle of support. Here are some resources you might find helpful:

First Candle

Support for families who have had a pregnancy or infant loss.

Call 800-221-7437 (TTY 711). Grief counselors are on hand at no cost 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

National SHARE

Pregnancy and infant loss support.

Call 800-821-6819 (TTY 711).

MISS Foundation

Support and resources after the death of a child.

Call 888-455-6477 (TTY 711).

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 doctor these questions and talk about any other concerns. Ask your healthcare provider if they can answer your questions without a parent in the room.