How to Support the Health of You and Your Baby

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia

Pregnancy and early motherhood are impactful times in a woman’s life. Although exciting, the journey to becoming a mother can include many physical and mental changes that you might find challenging. The care you need to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and smooth delivery may seem overwhelming, but the road to motherhood can be a positive one if you prioritize your maternal health, as well as the health of your baby.

“Maternal health” refers to a woman’s health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.1 Having regular appointments with a trusted provider to monitor you and your baby’s health is critical to preventing mortality before, during, and after childbirth.

Pregnancy

Maternal health should become a priority when you are trying to get pregnant or as soon as you learn you are pregnant. Having access to sufficient health care during pregnancy can lower your risk of pregnancy complications, which can include anemia, anxiety, depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure.2

By maintaining a healthy diet, incorporating regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco use, you can reduce your risk of experiencing complications. Regular visits with your primary care provider are also important to get the essential care you and your baby need.

Childbirth

Maternal health also plays a significant role in labor and delivery. There are a few ways that you can prepare for the birth of your baby and reduce the need for medical intervention during labor:

• Develop a birth plan. Prepare for childbirth by developing a birth plan. A birth plan includes your goals and wishes before, during, and after delivery. Think about what your needs may be once you begin labor and delivery. Talk with your healthcare provider about a birth plan that will work for you, and consider working with a midwife or doula. It’s important to note that the delivery may not always go according to plan. It’s best to remain calm and take advice from your healthcare provider if things go differently than expected.

• Take a childbirth class. Childbirth classes can help you get answers to your questions before you are in the delivery room. An in-person demonstration of the labor and birthing process is a great way to ease some of your childbirth-related stress.

• Make regular trips to the doctor. Speak with your doctor about your family’s health history and any concerns you may have. Staying on top of your health care during your pregnancy can help ensure a safe delivery for you and your baby.

After Childbirth

After childbirth, you will likely be focused on caring for your baby. However, mothers should continue to take care of themselves too. Women can experience health problems, some life-threatening, in the weeks and months after delivery. More than half of pregnancy-related deaths happen up to one year after childbirth.3

After delivery, keep in contact with your healthcare provider. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that postpartum care be an ongoing process rather than just a single visit. Your provider will help make sure you’re recovering well and adjusting to motherhood.

Many of the discomforts and body changes women have in the weeks after giving birth are normal, but you should familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of health problems and reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice something unusual. Seek emergency help if you have any of the following:

• Chest pain

• Obstructed breathing or shortness of breath

• Seizures

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

The information in this article is intended to help you learn more about this topic; it is not meant to take the place of visiting your healthcare provider. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider. If you need to see your health care provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your health care provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material.

Sources

1. “Maternal Health,” World Health Organization, Last accessed March 8, 2023, https://www.who.int/health-topics/maternal-health#tab=tab_1.

2. “Pregnancy Complications,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Last updated February 8, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-complications.html?CDC_AA_ refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc. gov%2Freproductivehealth%2Fmaternalinfanthealth%2Fpregcomplications.htm.

3. “Postpartum Complications:

#BestMe Benefits of Working with A Doula

Doulas are trained to provide emotional and physical support for mothers during childbirth. Research shows that doula care can help improve health outcomes for mothers and reduce racial disparities due to the culturally contextual and competent care doulas provide.4

To help mothers achieve optimal maternal health, AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia has expanded the doula benefits available to its enrollees. The new benefits give all pregnant individuals access to a total of 12 doula visits across the perinatal and postpartum periods. For help finding a doula, enrollees should call Bright Start® at 1-877-759-6883 or download the Bright Start Welcome Booklet for Moms.

What You Need To Know,”

Mayo Clinic, Last updated December 3, 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/ healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/ in-depth/postpartum-complications/ art-20446702#:~:text=Common%20 postpartum%20complications&text=Cardiovascular%20diseases,bleeding%20after%20giving%20 birth%20(hemorrhage).

We want to make sure you and your family stay covered for all your healthcare needs.

ACT NOW HERE’S HOW

Confirm your household information and report any changes

Recertify and renew your benefits

Online: https://districtdirect. dc.gov/ua/ Mobile App: District Direct In Person: At a Service Center To find a location near you, visit www.dhs.dc.gov/service/findservice-center-near-you

Online: https://districtdirect. dc.gov/ua/ Mobile App: District Direct In Person: Drop your completed renewal documents off at a Service Center Mail: Mail completed renewal documents to: Department of Human Services Economic Security Administration Case Record Management Unit P.O. Box 91560 Washington, DC 20090

Cara B. Safon et al., “Doula Care Saves Lives, Improves Equity, and Empowers Mothers. State Medicaid Programs Should Pay For It,” Health Affairs, May 26, 2021, https://www. healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/forefront.20210525.295915/full/

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

Need more information about renewing your benefits?

We are here to help. Call your health plan:

• Amerigroup DC 1-800-600-4441

• AmeriHealth Caritas DC

1-800-408-7511

• Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc.

1-866-937-4549

• MedStar Family Choice District of Columbia

1-888-404-3549