Pregnancy and Women’s Health in Iowa
Deciding if or when to have a baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whatever you choose, your Iowa Wellpoint Medicaid plan is here for you.
Caring for you and your baby
Whether you recently found out you’re pregnant or if you’re trying to become pregnant, 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.
Pregnancy-and-beyond Resource Guide (English)
Get answers to your questions
Our Health A to Z library has answers to your questions on topics such as pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Once you find out you’re pregnant
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:
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 doctor. You can also contact Postpartum Support International (PSI) at 800-944-4PPD (800-944-4773) (TTY 711).
Feeding support
Navigating the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
If your baby is premature or has a serious health condition, they may have been admitted to the NICU. To support you, we have a NICU Case Management program. This program helps you to prepare yourself and your home for when your baby is released from the hospital. After your baby is home, our case managers continue to provide education and support to improve your baby’s health, prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions, and guide you to community resources if needed.
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 ways you can be there for your partner during pregnancy:
Be sure to take care of yourself, too. As you help your partner stay healthy, take these steps together:
Your role as a parent is very important to the health and development of your baby. Be sure to check out all the resources on this page to learn more about what to expect during this time.
Coping with the loss of a baby
For help dealing with the loss of a baby, you can find resources here:
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, 7 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, or birth control. When you get regular checkups, you can talk with your doctor. If you want to talk privately, ask your doctor if they can answer your questions without a parent in the room.
Support and resources
Community Resource Link
Get help finding food, jobs, housing and other things you may need.
Infant Safe Haven
Learn about safe-haven laws in your state and what to do if you can’t care for your newborn.
Interactive tool: From embryo to baby in 9 months
Watch how a baby grows and changes inside the womb.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Call 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) (TTY 800-487-4889).
Review Decisions in Recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder handbook