Pregnancy and wellness in WV
Deciding if or when to have a baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whatever you choose, your Wellpoint plan is here for you.
Caring for you and your baby
Whether you found out you’re pregnant or if you’re trying to become pregnant, we’re here to support you each step of the way.
Download our pregnancy resources
Use this guide to learn how learn more about our Taking Care of Baby and Me® program and how you can support your well-being during pregnancy.
Get answers to your questions
Our Health A to Z library has answers to your questions on topics such as pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Thinking about having a baby?
There are steps you can take early on to have a healthy pregnancy — and a healthy baby, too. Before you become pregnant, talk with your 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.
Once you find out you’re pregnant
1. Schedule an appointment with your obstetrics (OB) healthcare provider.
- Prenatal care is important for you and your baby. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your health, perform a physical exam, and tell you your baby’s due date.
- If you don’t have an OB provider, use the Find Care tool to find one near you.
2. Complete an OB health screener.
- This screener will help us customize the care and support we provide you throughout your pregnancy. Complete an OB health screener in our Concierge Care digital app or with a Wellpoint associate.
3. Sign up for Healthy Rewards.
- You may be able to earn rewards for going to your prenatal and postpartum visits. To join in our Healthy Rewards program, visit the Benefit Reward Hub or call the Healthy Rewards Customer Service Line at 888-990-8681 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Take care of you.
- Stay healthy by eating right, staying active, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
- Go to your doctor and dentist regularly.
Having a healthy pregnancy
Getting the support you need throughout your pregnancy can help you feel better and embrace the journey. With our Concierge Care Maternity app, you can receive helpful tips and advice before and after your baby is born. You can get information that is relevant to you on the schedule that works for you. You can also use the app to connect with the OB care team.
Download our Concierge Care Maternity app and take an OB health screener that will help us customize your care today.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, an OB Case Manager may reach out to you. You can also speak to a Case Manager if you need help, just call the Customer Care Center and request a referral to OB Case Management.
Taking care of you and your baby
Being a new parent is an exciting time, but it can bring some unexpected challenges.
Postpartum depression can happen after pregnancy. For more info on postpartum depression, talk to your healthcare provider. You can also reach out to Postpartum Support International (PSI) at 800-944-4773 (TTY 711).
Feeding support
Navigating the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
If your baby was born sick or premature and has been admitted to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), you may be having a difficult time coping. We believe that the more you know, the better you will be able to care for your infant. We are here to help you feel more at ease with your baby’s stay in the NICU.
A NICU Case Manager may reach out to you. You can also speak to a Case Manager if you need help, just call the Customer Care Center and request a referral to NICU Case Management.
- The MyPreemie app supports families with preemies.
- Graham’s Foundation provides support, advocacy, and research for preemies and their families.
Supporting your partner when they’re pregnant
There are many things you can do to support your partner during pregnancy. Encourage your partner to seek early and regular prenatal care and attend appointments and birthing classes as a couple. You can also help your partner take other important steps such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, staying active and eating healthy, and finding ways to reduce stress during pregnancy.
During this time, it’s also important for you to take care of yourself. As you encourage your partner to take important steps to stay healthy, take these steps together:
- Visit your healthcare 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.
This can be an exciting time for you. Your role as a parent is very important to the health and development of your baby, and you may have a lot of questions about caring for your newborn.
Coping with the loss of a baby
Losing a baby is a very painful experience. If you are dealing with the loss of your baby, it is important to have a circle of support. We’ve also gathered some resources that you might find helpful during this time.
First Candle — Support for families who have experienced an infant loss due to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Call 800-221-7437 (TTY 711) to talk to a grief counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
National SHARE — Pregnancy and infant loss support. Call 800-821-6819 (TTY 711) to learn about local and national resources.
MISS Foundation — Support and resources after the loss of a child, just call 888-455-6477 (TTY 711).
Teens: Taking care of your health and planning for the future
You may have questions about sex, relationships, body changes, or birth control. Getting regular checkups gives you a chance to ask your healthcare provider these questions and talk about any other concerns. If you have additional questions for your healthcare provider, ask if they can answer questions without a parent in the room.
Support and resources
Community Resource Link
Get help finding food, jobs, housing, and other things you may need.
Concierge Care Maternity
Maternal health education by smartphone app.
Infant Safe Haven
Learn about safe-haven laws in West Virginia and what to do if you can’t care for your baby.
Interactive tool: From embryo to baby in nine months
Watch how a baby grows and changes inside the womb.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn about current research, health tips, and pregnancy support from the CDC.
Need help with substance use during your pregnancy?
It’s okay to feel lost, especially during one of the most physically demanding life events you may have. If you’re unsure how to stop your substance use during pregnancy, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) (TTY 800-487-4889).
You can also review Decision in recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.
Want to quit smoking?
Check out Smokefree Women or call the National Tobacco Quit Line at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) (TTY 711).
March of Dimes
March of Dimes works to make quality maternal care easy to have for all parents and their babies.
Childbirth checklist for partners
Know what to expect when your partner goes into labor. Check out the BabyCenter: Childbirth cheat sheet so you’re ready when it’s go-time.
West Virginia WIC
Learn what West Virginia-specific resources you can use during pregnancy and care for your baby.
Pregnancy and childbirth apps
Pregnancy Tracker—BabyCenter
Track your pregnancy. Countdown to baby's birth.
SydneySM Health app
Find an OB provider, keep your ID card on your phone, and live chat when you have questions.