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Prenatal and Maternity Care

Even before your baby is born, there are many things you can do to give your baby the best possible start. The earlier you enter prenatal care, the better because fetal development begins even before most women realize they are pregnant.

Prenatal care will help make sure you are healthy and check to see that your baby is developing normally. You will get answers to your questions and learn how to best care for yourself during the pregnancy.

Are You Planning on Getting Pregnant?

Before you get pregnant, you may want to prepare for the emotional and lifestyle changes you will face as a new mother and father. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Be Healthy! Plan Now
The California Teratogen Information Service explains several actions you can take prior to pregnancy to reduce your risk for having a baby with a birth defect and reduce your risk for complications.

Before Pregnancy
The March of Dimes provides helpful articles about preparing physically and emotionally for pregnancy.

Pregnancy-planning Education Program
Learn what you need to know now to have a safe pregnancy and healthy baby, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Food Safety for Moms-to-Be
Foodborne illness is a serious health risk for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Learn more about food safety before, during, and after pregnancy from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

ThinkPregnancy.org
Learn more about the effects of alcohol and marijuana during pregnancy, from the Sonoma County Perinatal Alcohol and Other Drugs Action Team.

Having a Healthy Pregnancy
Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Learn about actions you can take to increase your chance of having a healthy baby.

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How Do I Find Health Coverage?

Don't Delay Seeing a Doctor or Midwife! If you need help with health coverage, our staff can help you find maternity care that is affordable and convenient, to help you and your baby get the care you need. If you do not have health insurance, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal or AIM, California's low-cost health insurance program for pregnant women.

What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program, and can help eligible women pay for the prenatal and maternity care they need. And through the enhanced care program, Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, eligible women can receive complete prenatal care, health education, nutrition services, and psychosocial support for up to 60 days after delivery of their infants. The Medi-Cal income guidelines can help you determine if you are eligible for this program.

You can find a local prenatal care provider who accepts Medi-Cal from our list of providers. The Medi-Cal Presumptive Eligibility program allows providers to issue eligible women a temporary Medi-Cal card at the time of their first appointment. This means that many health care providers can help you obtain health coverage by qualifying you for Medi-Cal services right at their office.

If you already have Medi-Cal coverage, your new baby can also get health coverage. Be sure to ask your health care provider about Medi-Cal's Newborn Referral program.

You can find out more about Medi-Cal from the California Department of Health Services. You can also request free assistance with your Medi-Cal application by contacting one of these locations in Sonoma County.

What is AIM?

If you do not have health insurance (or have a high deductible), and do not qualify for Medi-Cal, you may be able to obtain maternity care through the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program. The AIM program offers affordable prenatal and maternity insurance for middle-income pregnant women, and health insurance for their babies.

AIM offers coverage for pregnant women who:

• Are not more than 30 weeks pregnant
• Have lived in California for the last 6 months
• Are not receiving Medi-Cal or Medicare benefits
• Do not have maternity insurance OR
• Have health insurance with a separate maternity-only deductible or co-pay of more than $500
• Have a gross family income that meets the AIM income guidelines

AIM benefits include:

• Full health care during pregnancy and for 60 days after the pregnancy ends
• Hospital delivery
• Full health care for the baby for one year

A detailed explanation of the AIM program (pdf) is provided by The Children's Health Access and Medi-Cal Program Network. You can find a local prenatal care provider who participates in the AIM program from our list of providers. You can also request free assistance with your AIM application by contacting one of the locations in Sonoma County who have eligibility workers on staff to help you, and can also provide you with the health care you need.

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What Should I Expect from My Prenatal Care?

Your initial visit for prenatal care should include a detailed interview and physical examination with a pelvic exam and laboratory tests. Your doctor or midwife will use this information to determine what care you will need. Regular visits throughout the pregnancy will monitor how you are doing and check to make sure the baby is growing. These later visits are an opportunity to discuss concerns or questions you may have about body changes during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.

In addition, some health care providers are able to provide Medi-Cal clients with:

• free vitamins
• free in-depth nutrition, health education, and counseling visits
• free prenatal classes

These services are offered as part of Medi-Cal's Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, or CPSP. You can review our list of providers to find a provider near you.

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Are You Pregnant and Have Special Needs?

I am undecided about my plans for this pregnancy.
Pregnancy testing and counseling about your options are available for low or no cost. Our toll-free information line at 800-427-8982 can direct you to a provider that can offer you confidential and professional help. By seeking care as soon as you suspect you may be pregnant, you will have more choices available to you. Some abortion services are covered under Medi-Cal's Presumptive Eligibility program. If you are considering adoption, the California Department of Social Services provides information and counseling at 707-588-5000.

I want to quit smoking, or learn how to protect my child from the harmful effects of smoke.
Smoke-Free Babies is free program for Sonoma County women who use tobacco and are pregnant, or have a baby under six months of age. The Northern California Center for Well-Being offers three services: phone support, private appointments and a weekly group for mothers. For more information, download the brochure for this program:

• English (pdf)
• Spanish (pdf)

Or visit The Northern California Center for Well-Being website.

The California Smokers Helpline is a program that can help you and/or family members quit smoking. Helpline services are free, funded by the California Department of Health. Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS for more information. Or, download this list of local smoking cessation programs (pdf), provided by the Dept. of Health Services, Prevention and Planning Division.

I need help with stopping my alcohol or other drug use.
The One 2 One mentoring program (pdf) can connect you with a woman who has struggled with drug use. This caring person can meet with you at a safe place you choose. She can also help you access other community resources. When you call 707- 237-1441, a mentor will call you within twenty-four hours.

I may have been exposed to a substance that might harm my unborn child.
If you think that you have been exposed to drugs, alcohol, chemicals, infectious diseases or any other physical agents which may be harmful to your unborn child, the Pregnancy Risk Information Line can provide free, confidential pregnancy risk information over the telephone at 800-532-3749, or at their website.

I am in a violent or abusive relationship.
Contact the YWCA 24-hour Hotline at 707-546-1234 today. You deserve to have a safe and healthy environment for you and your unborn child.

I am a pregnant teen or young father.
Pregnant teens and young fathers can receive confidential services through Teen Parent Connections. This program promotes prenatal wellness, assists young parents in continuing their education and provides access to necessary services. Services are free and provided County wide for age-eligible adolescents.

I am diabetic.
If you know, or suspect you have diabetes, the earliest care possible will help protect you and your developing baby. The California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program "Sweet Success" can provide diabetic women who are pregnant with education, nutrition, psychosocial and medical services. Call 800-427-8982 and ask about the "Sweet Success" diabetes and pregnancy program.

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