Pregnancy and Maternity Care

We’re starting to think about having a baby. What should I be doing now to help me have a healthy pregnancy and baby?

Before you get pregnant, you can lay the foundation for a healthy pregnancy by:

• Planning a medical checkup. Have a preconception checkup and see your doctor before getting pregnant. Talk to the doctor about all medications you take and potential risks to your baby.
• Taking folic acid daily. Take a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid every day to help reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects, like spina bifida.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy and get to your optimal weight to make sure your body is ready to have a baby. Learn how to lower your stress or manage stress. Florida Blue offers meQuilibrium*, our digital mental well-being program to help members manage their stress and anxiety. Smoking, illegal drugs, and drinking alcohol are dangerous to you and your baby. Quitting will give your baby a healthy place to grow. Check your member benefits to see how your health plan can help you.
• Managing chronic conditions. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, stay on top of required treatments to avoid potentially dangerous complications down the road.
• Avoiding environmental hazards. Environmental factors can affect your unborn baby. Find out if you live or work in a hazardous environment.

I’m excited to be pregnant, but also nervous about what to expect. Does Florida Blue have something to help me?

Yes, we have a program called Healthy Addition® designed to help you through every stage of your pregnancy, including the first weeks after your baby is born. You’ll receive the following to help you be as healthy as possible:

• Access to a registered nurse
• Coaching on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Educational material on different topics
• Information on how to get a breast pump

You can enroll in Healthy Addition as soon as you know you’re pregnant in one of two ways:

1. Email: HealthyAddition@FloridaBlue.com
2. Call us at: 800-955-7635, Option 6 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday 

Watch this video for more information on Healthy Addition and maternity benefits.

Can I exercise during pregnancy?

Exercise is important and a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. During pregnancy it benefits both you and your growing baby and has very little risks. If your pregnancy is healthy, you can do most types of exercise. A few options include swimming and brisk walking (in moderation). Avoid intense exercises that make you tired or carry a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma. Before engaging in any exercise, it is important to discuss it with your doctor or other member of your health care team.

I’m experiencing all kinds of different symptoms. How do I know what’s normal and what’s not?

It’s normal to experience discomfort as your baby grows. Your body is hard at work making a new life! Here are some things you might experience during your pregnancy, and what they could mean:

• Frequent urination. There are several reasons why you may be urinating more frequently. Your kidneys must work harder, and your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder.
• Mouth and tooth changes: Pregnancy hormones can cause your gums to swell and bleed. It may help to switch to a softer toothbrush. You should also schedule a dental checkup early in your pregnancy. Florida Blue members who are enrolled in Oral Health for Overall Health receive additional dental benefits that can improve overall health, enhance quality of life, and lower medical and dental care costs.
• Lower-abdominal pain: Muscles supporting your uterus pull and stretch, especially between 18 to 24 weeks gestation. You may feel a dull ache or sharp pain on one side of your belly.

• Backache: You may have a backache, especially in later months as the baby puts more strain on your back muscles. Exercises to stretch and strengthen your posture and back muscles can help.
• Heartburn: Pregnancy hormones can cause the muscle valve between your stomach and esophagus to relax. You may feel a burning sensation in your throat and chest.
• Nausea and vomiting: You may feel nauseated, especially during the first trimester. It helps to eat dry toast or crackers before getting out of bed, drink plenty of fluids that are cold and bubbly, and stay upright after you eat.

Remember, your Healthy Addition registered nurse can answer your questions as well as your health care team. Don’t be afraid to ask them!

If you haven’t registered for Healthy Addition, here’s how:

• Email: HealthyAddition@FloridaBlue.com, or
• Call us at: 800-955-7635, Option 6 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday 

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Your water breaks (amniotic sac) even without contractions
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Contractions that are five minutes apart or less
• Constant severe pain
• Fever
• Changes in the way your baby moves, not feeling the baby move, or anything that seems out of the ordinary

Are there health concerns I should know about after I have my baby?

Most women recover without any issues after having a baby. However, some may have complications that can cause serious health problems. Call your doctor if you have the following symptoms after you’re home:

• Pain, discharge, or redness around your C-section incision
• Pain or burning sensation when you urinate
• Persistent pain or discharge around your perineal tear, vaginal laceration, or episiotomy
• Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the lower part of your legs
• Temperature higher than 100.4 degrees
• Bleeding that is heavier than your regular period, passing blood clots, or soaking through one pad in an hour
• Severe headache with vision changes
• High blood pressure or dizziness
• Feeling sad or hopeless for more than 10 days
• Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby

Sometimes I’m happy and sometimes I’m sad or feeling overwhelmed. Is this normal?

Pregnancy and caring for a newborn can be both a time of joy and stress. Physical health and mental well-being are important for both mom and baby. For eligible plan members, the meQuilibrium program is a digital mental well-being solution that can help you achieve balance during your pregnancy with techniques to help you manage stress and anxiety.

It is important to always speak to your maternity care team about how you are feeling. They will help you get the help you need.

Don’t hesitate to call our behavioral health care partner, Lucet** , at 1-866-287-9569. They can help you locate a licensed therapist who meets your needs. They may also be able to schedule your in-person or virtual visit with a therapist for you.

Now that I’m pregnant, what do I need to know about my insurance now and when my baby comes?

You can check your maternity benefits by logging in to your Florida Blue online member account or calling the number on your member ID card. Depending on the type of health plan you have, you’ll need to see providers in your provider network to have health coverage unless it’s an emergency or to have lower out-of-pocket costs.

HMO plans

Your HMO health plan requires you to see providers in your HMO network, unless it’s an emergency. This includes your doctor, midwife, hospital/birthing center, etc. Don't forget to stay in-network when your care team sends you for lab work, ultrasounds, and other procedures.

PPO plans

For PPO health plans, you’ll usually have a lower cost share for selecting providers in your PPO network. Don't forget to stay in-network when your care team sends you for lab work, ultrasounds, and other procedures. By seeing providers in your plan’s network, your costs will normally be lower and more predictable.

When it’s time to find your care team, use our online provider directory to search for providers and facilities near you. Once you’ve logged in to your member account, select Find a Doctor to see providers in your plan. If you don’t want to log in, or to see a listing of all providers, click here.

You have 30 days after your baby arrives to add your newborn to your health plan. Call the number on your ID card and let them know you had a baby.

Watch this video for more information on Healthy Addition and maternity benefits.

How will my maternity and delivery charges be billed?

You may pay a one-time fee for most of your maternity care costs from your first visit through delivery called a global maternity fee. It includes some maternity services like routine care, delivery, and postpartum care. You’ll pay your deductible and cost share, including copay and coinsurance. Your OB/GYN’s office or midwife will help you set up your global maternity payment. In addition, you’ll pay your usual cost share for any services that are not included in the global maternity fee such as diagnostic testing and labs.

Your newborn’s nursery care will be covered during your routine hospital stay. This includes newborn assessment and breastfeeding support. Any non-routine treatments needed, including an extended stay in the hospital, will be billed to mom and then transferred once baby is enrolled to a health plan within 30 days.

If you have not already selected a pediatrician, during your last few months of pregnancy is a great time to choose one. Remember to add your newborn to your health plan within 30 days of delivery. Call the number on your ID card and let them know you had a baby.

Watch this video for more information on Healthy Addition and maternity benefits.

Is a breast pump covered by my insurance?

Yes. One manual or electric breast pump per delivery is covered per your health plan benefits. This is subject to your deductible, copayment, and/or coinsurance. You can obtain a breast pump by contacting Aeroflow at 844-276-2517 or visiting Aeroflowbreastpumps.com.  For maternity benefits and/or to verify coverage for a breast pump, please contact the Customer Service telephone number on the back of your insurance card.

Does my insurance cover lactation consultants?

Lactation support and counseling is provided as part of OB/GYN counseling for prenatal services, postpartum services, in the hospital during delivery stay, or in the OB/GYN office post-delivery. Speak with your health care provider regarding breastfeeding resources. You may also visit La Leche League. Click on Find Local Support to find a local chapter near you.

Are Doulas covered?

Currently, Doulas are not a covered health plan benefit.

*meQuilibrium is an independent company contracted by Florida Blue to provide health and wellness services and resources to members. This benefit is available to Florida Blue members age 18 and older. Eligibility is limited to members with an individual or family plan, an individual or family ACA plan and members with coverage from their fully insured group employer health plan.

**Florida Blue contracts with Lucet, a New Directions Behavioral Health company, to provide behavioral health services. 

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