Women's Wellness

Mother and Child

Planning for Pregnancy

You and your baby deserve the best possible care throughout your pregnancy and after your baby's birth. This means getting prenatal care early on and continuously throughout your pregnancy, as well as after your baby's birth, postpartum care. HIP wants to make it easy for you to take care of yourself - that's why you can see your HIP participating OB/GYN or your child's pediatrician without a referral. We understand that having a baby is very special, so we want to provide you with the support and information you need throughout your pregnancy.

• Before your baby is born
• If you think you may be pregnant

If you are planning to become pregnant
It is very important that you be in the best of health before you get pregnant so that your newborn can be as healthy as possible. Before you become pregnant, a physician should evaluate both you and the intended father of your baby; both of you should receive HIV counseling and testing. Additional preparation for pregnancy should include the following:

• Bring your immunizations up to date:
• If you are susceptible to rubella, get the rubella vaccine and wait at least three months before you get pregnant.
• If you are at risk for hepatitis B, get the hepatitis B vaccine. (Speak to your doctor about risk factors.)
• If your last tetanus booster was more than ten years ago, get a tetanus booster.
• If you smoke, now is a great time to join a tobacco cessation program to help you quit before you become pregnant. For information on HIP's Quit Smoking Program call 1-866-611-QUIT (1-866-611-7848). Medicaid and Family Health Plus members call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487)
• If you drink alcohol, you may want to start reducing your intake now. Since alcohol is closely linked to birth defects, women who are pregnant are urged NOT to drink during pregnancy.
• If you're taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to let your doctor know.
• Be sure to eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, iron and "B" vitamins.
• Make sure that any medical condition that you may have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, is in good control.
• See a dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before you get pregnant.
• Be sure to eat a balanced diet.
• Take a multivitamin with folic acid.
• Keep a record of your menstrual periods to help determine your delivery date.