Pregnancy, Maternity and Postpartum Care

HMO plans

• If you have an HMO health plan, it requires you to see providers in your HMO network, unless it’s an emergency, or you may have to pay all costs. 

• This includes your doctor, midwife, and hospital/birthing center. 

• Don't forget to stay in-network when your care team sends you for lab work, ultrasounds, and other procedures. 

PPO plans

• If you have a PPO health plan, you’ll usually have a predictable, lower cost share when you choose 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.

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, use our public online provider directory.

Maternity care 

• You may pay a one-time global maternity fee for most care costs from your first visit to delivery.

• This fee includes routine care, delivery, and postpartum care from your OB-GYN.

• You'll still pay your deductible, copay, and coinsurance.

Additional costs

• You'll pay separately for services not included in the global fee, like diagnostic testing and labs.

Newborn care

• Routine nursery care during your hospital stay is covered, including newborn assessment and breastfeeding support.
• Non-routine treatments or extended hospital stays will be billed to you, then transferred to your baby's health plan once the baby’s enrolled.

Next steps

• Choose a pediatrician before your baby is born if you haven't already.
• Add your newborn to your health plan within 30 days of delivery by calling the number on your member ID card.

• One manual or electric breast pump per delivery is covered according to your health plan benefits.
• You'll pay your deductible, copay, and/or coinsurance.
• To get a breast pump, call Aeroflow at 1-844-276-2517 or visit Aeroflowbreastpumps.com.

• 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. 
• Talk with your health care provider about breastfeeding resources. 
• Or, visit La Leche League. Select Find Local Support to find a local chapter near you.

Doulas are currently not a covered health plan benefit.

It’s important to prepare for healthy pregnancy. Before getting pregnant, you can lay down the foundation for a healthy pregnancy by: 

• Getting a preconception checkup: See your doctor to discuss medications and potential risks.
• Taking folic acid daily: The risk of birth defects, like spina bifida and other neural tube birth defects, may be lessened with a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid. 
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
• Eating healthy and reaching a healthy weight
• Learning how to manage stress. Florida Blue offers meQuilibrium¹, for digital mental well-being support.
• Quitting smoking, avoiding illegal drugs, and limiting alcohol.
• Managing chronic conditions: Stay on top of treatments for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Checking your member benefits to see how your health plan can help you.
• Avoiding environmental hazards. Environmental factors can affect your unborn baby. Find out if you live or work in a hazardous environment.
   

Before engaging in any exercise, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor or other member of your health care team.

It’s normal to experience discomfort as your baby grows. Your body is hard at work making a new life! Talk to your doctor or a member of your health care team about your symptoms. Don’t be afraid to ask. They can help!

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.
   

After having a baby, most women recover without issues, but some may experience complications. Monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have:

• Pain, discharge, or redness around your C-section or perineal tear.
• Painful urination.
• High temperature (over 100.4°F).
• Heavy bleeding or blood clots.
• Severe headaches or vision changes.
• Swelling, redness, or pain in your legs.
• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness lasting over 10 days.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
• High blood pressure or dizziness.

Pregnancy and new motherhood can be joyful but also stressful. Your physical and mental well-being are crucial for you and your baby's health.

• Consider using meQuilibrium¹, a digital mental well-being program, to manage stress and anxiety during pregnancy.
• Also, talk to your maternity care team about your feelings — they're there to help!
• If needed, contact our behavioral health partner, Lucet² at 1-866-287-9569. They can help you find a licensed therapist for in-person or virtual support.