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Pregnancy and women’s health

Deciding if and when to have a baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whatever you choose, Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus is here for you.

We have tips, interactive tools, resources and apps for every stage of your life.

Empire BlueCross BlueShield

Empire Blue Cross

If you’re pregnant, take these important steps:

  • Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your OB provider.
    Who is your OB provider? If you don’t have one, call us at 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711). We can help you find a provider near you.
  • Step 2: Complete an OB health screener.
    This will help us get you the right care and support.
    Call 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711) to complete our OB health screener.
  • Step 3: Call us to speak with an OB case manager.
    We can help you take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby. Call 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711) to learn more about our New Baby, New Life program.
  • Step 4: Take care of you.
    Stay healthy by eating right, staying active, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

Stay healthy and strong by:

  • Going to your primary care provider and dentist regularly
  • Keeping vaccines up-to-date
  • Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Planning for pregnancy or preventing an unwanted pregnancy
  • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
  • Staying active
  • Eating healthy

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Learn more at www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth

Are you thinking about having a baby? There are steps you can take to stay healthy before, during and after pregnancy. They will help you have a healthy baby, too!

Before you become pregnant, talk with your primary care provider 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

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Congratulations! This is an exciting time. There are many things you can do to help you and your baby stay strong and healthy.

Once you find out you’re pregnant:

Schedule an appointment with your OB provider.
Prenatal care is very important for you and your baby. Your provider will ask you 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, call 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711). We can help find a provider near you.

Take care of you.
Eat healthy foods, stay active, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.

Complete an OB health screener.
This helps us get you the care and support you need during your pregnancy. Call Member Services to complete our OB health screener.

Chat with an OB case manager.
We can help you take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby. Call 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711) to learn more about our New Baby, New Life program.

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 888-990-8681 (TTY 711) Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

MyAdvocate

Get the support you need throughout your pregnancy. Mary Beth with My Advocate™ shares helpful tips and advice before and after your baby is born. My Advocate also makes it easy to reach your case manager.

You can get helpful tips and advice by phone, text or app. Enroll in My Advocate and take an OB health screener today!

Prenatal packet

As an Empire member, you’ll get a prenatal packet with information about prenatal care, pregnancy benefits and incentive programs. To request a packet, call 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711). Packets may include:

  • New Baby, New Life® flier
  • Healthy You, Healthy Baby booklet
  • Having a Healthy Baby brochure
  • My Advocate flier
  • Zika member flier

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

You may be able to get WIC benefits. Visit the WIC website to learn more.

Congratulations! Being a new mother is an exciting time. But it can bring some unexpected challenges. You may have questions about how to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

Besides talking with your provider, there are many resources to help keep you healthy, both physically and emotionally. There are also many resources to help you keep your baby safe, happy and healthy.

Postpartum packet

As an Empire member, you’ll receive a postpartum packet after you give birth. This will have information about postpartum care, benefits for you and your baby and incentive programs. To request a packet, call 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711). Packets may include:

  • Nurture booklet
  • Baby and Me Postpartum flier
  • Baby blues and postpartum depression brochure
  • Making a family life plan brochure

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Need help getting a breast pump? Call Member Services at 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711). A case manager will help you.

Visit the WIC website or call 1-866-881-2809. WIC can help you with breastfeeding support.

For more support with breastfeeding:

  • Visit La Leche or call the La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-877-452-5324.
  • Visit Infant Risk Center or call 1-806-352-2519 for questions about breastfeeding and medications.

For more information on postpartum depression, talk to your doctor. You can also contact Postpartum Support International (PSI) at 1-800-944-4PPD (4773).

If your baby was born sick or premature, they may have been admitted to the NICU. You may be having a hard time coping. We believe that the more you know, the better you’ll be able to care for your baby. We’re here to help you during your baby’s stay in the NICU.

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Need help getting a breast pump? Call Member Services at 1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711). A case manager can help you.

The MyPreemie app supports families with preemies.
Apple iTunes - Download MyPreemie Google Play - MyPreemie

Graham’s Foundation provides support, advocacy, and research for preemies and their families.

There are many ways you can support your partner during pregnancy. Encourage her to seek early and regular prenatal care. Attend appointments and birthing classes with her. Encourage your partner to avoid tobacco and alcohol, stay active, and eat healthy. Find ways to help her reduce stress during pregnancy.

Take care of yourself, too! As you help your partner stay healthy, take these steps with her:

  • Visit your primary care provider
  • Make sure your immunizations 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

Your role as a parent is very important to the health and development of your baby. You may have a lot of questions about caring for your newborn. The links below can help you get ready to be a parent.

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Losing a baby is very painful. A strong circle of support can be very helpful. You can find help here:

CJ First Candle — Support for families who have had a pregnancy or infant loss
Call 1-800-221-7437. Grief counselors are on hand at no cost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

National SHARE — Pregnancy and infant loss support
Call 1-800-821-6819.

MISS Foundation — Support and resources after the death of a child
Call 1-888-455-6477.

You may have questions about sex, relationships, body changes or birth control. When you get regular checkups, you can talk with your primary care provider. If you want to talk privately, ask your primary care provider if they can answer your questions without a parent in the room.

You can also find information online. Below are some sites that can help you get and stay healthy.

Health A to Z (Healthwise)

Helpful resources

Pregnancy and childbirth apps

Useful Apps - BabyCenter

BabyCenter

Track your pregnancy. Count down to baby’s birth.

Useful Apps - Spark Recipes Healthy Recipes

Spark Recipes Healthy Recipes

Search more than 190,000 healthy recipes.

Useful Apps - CDC Show Your Love

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Show Your Love

Health tips from the CDC.

Useful Apps - MyPreemie

MyPreemie

Learn how to care for a premature baby.

Interactive tools

Health Topics IT - From Embryo to Baby in 9 Months Col1
Go

From Embryo to Baby in Nine Months

Watch how your baby grows and changes inside the womb.

 
 

Support and resources

My Advocate

Maternal health education by phone, text or app.
Visit Site

Healthy Rewards

Earn rewards for certain health checkups or screenings
Log in to begin.

Infant Safe Haven

Learn about safe-haven laws in your state and what to do if you can’t care for your newborn.
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