Maternity Management Program

SUPPORT FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

 
 

Whether you are thinking about having a baby or are already expecting, the Compass Rose Health Plan is committed to helping provide the support you need for a healthy and happy pregnancy. Good prenatal care includes seeing your obstetrician regularly — starting in the first trimester — as well as following their advice for supporting a healthy pregnancy when it comes to healthy lifestyle choices like nutrition and safe exercise.

To help ensure you and your family have the resources you need for a successful pregnancy and delivery, the Compass Rose Health Plan covers: 

  • up to $100 per calendar year for childbirth education classes
  • up to $1,000 per calendar year in coverage for doula services when provided by a certified doula through DONA International
  • up to $50 for one blood pressure cuff per pregnancy

We want to make sure you receive ALL the support you need during this special time, which is why we offer a Maternity Management program at no cost to you. By participating in this program, you will receive:

  • Educational materials
  • Quick access to a dedicated nurse

Ready to start your enrollment? Call our Maternity Management program at (866) 368-7227 (option 7) or email wellness@compassrosebenefits.com.

Pregnancy To-do List

 

First Trimester

  • Schedule your first prenatal appointment with your obstetrician, as well as your ongoing appointments, screenings and ultrasounds. Search our Provider Directory to find a local in-network provider.
  • Discuss with your doctor:
    • Whether you should take a daily prenatal vitamin.
    • How medications (prescriptions; over-the-counter (OTC) products) you currently take will affect your pregnancy.
  • Familiarize yourself with your health plan's maternity benefits.
  • Quit smoking. Learn more about our Tobacco Cessation Program through UMR.
  • Limit caffeine intake (less than 200mg, or one 12-ounce cup, per day).
  • Create a baby budget. Start by learning about costs here.
  • Schedule your upcoming prenatal appointments, screenings and ultrasounds.
  • Purchase maternity bras to provide necessary support.
  • Relieve morning sickness.

Second Trimester

  • Prepare your birth plan.
  • Pre-register at the hospital where you plan to deliver.
  • You should begin to feel the baby move. Start doing fetal kick counts.
  • Receive the glucose screening test for gestational diabetes.
  • If you have a negative blood type, you can discuss receiving a Rhogam injection with your health care provider.
  • Research car seat safety information. Find an inspection station close to your home for further assistance.
  • Take classes — like childbirth preparation, breastfeeding and newborn parenting — to prepare. Contact the hospital where you will deliver to find out more about the classes they offer.
  • Schedule a teeth cleaning with your dentist.
  • Start your childcare search (daycare, nanny, relative, etc.).
  • Consider purchasing life insurance or increasing your coverage.
  • Review your employer’s maternity leave benefits.
  • Purchase maternity clothes. Check out these staple pieces.
  • Create a baby registry.
  • Prepare older children and pets for when your newborn arrives.

Third Trimester

  • Choose a pediatrician — your newborn will need regular check-ups. Search our Provider Directory to find a local in-network provider.
  • Tour your hospital’s maternity ward or birth center.
  • Pack your hospital bag.
  • Begin necessary preparations if you are planning on breastfeeding.
  • If you plan on feeding your baby infant formula, learn how to prepare and store your infant's formula. 
  • Install your car seat. You can visit a local fire department for assistance or find an inspection station close to your home. Assemble any other baby gear like a crib, stroller, etc.
  • Stock your house with supplies and newborn essentials.
  • Discuss any third trimester blood tests, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening, blood transfusion options, cord blood banking and the Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) with your health care provider.

General Tips throughout Pregnancy

  • Drink water (six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day, plus an additional 8 ounces per hour of light activity).
  • Stretch to enhance flexibility, prevent muscle tightening and feel more relaxed. Get started with these pregnancy stretches.
  • Take naps to help ease feelings of fatigue during the day. Quick walks (15 to 20 minutes) can help boost energy levels as well.
  • Make sure you are getting proper nutrition.
  • Track your weight gain to make sure you are gaining at the right pace.
  • Know the signs of a pregnancy problem. If you sense something is wrong, call your doctor or midwife immediately.
  • Watch for signs and symptoms of premature labor and preeclampsia. Call your health care provider if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Symptoms During Pregnancy

 

Talk to your provider about how to manage common pregnancy symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Tender breasts
  • Mood swings
  • Morning sickness
  • Backaches, leg pain and other aches and pains during pregnancy
  • Problems sleeping
  • Skin and hair changes
  • Food aversions or cravings

While you are pregnant, food stays in your stomach and bowels longer. This may cause heartburn (stomach acid moving back up into the esophagus). You can reduce heartburn by:

  • Eating small meals
  • Avoiding spicy and greasy foods
  • Not drinking large amounts of liquid before bedtime
  • Not exercising for at least 2 hours after you eat
  • Not lying down flat right after a meal

References: Hark L, Catalano PM. Nutritional management during pregnancy. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 7.

Warning Signs During Pregnancy And After

 

Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of the symptoms below during pregnancy, or during the year after delivery.

  • Fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain or fast-beating heart
  • Severe stomach pain that does not go away
  • Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, leaking, or discharge during pregnancy, or heavy fluid that smells bad after pregnancy
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Prolonged headache that worsens over time
  • Suicidal thoughts or depression
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Baby’s movement stops or slows during pregnancy
  • Severe swelling, redness or pain in legs or arms
  • Changes in vision
  • Extreme swelling of hands or face
  • Overwhelming tiredness

It is important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. If something does not feel right, or if you are not sure about a symptom, contact your health care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides further details of the warning signs, so you know when to seek medical care. 

How to Talk to Your Doctor During Pregnancy

 

During your pregnancy, your medical team is a vital resource to answer all the questions you have about pregnancy, delivery and what to expect after. However, it is not always easy to remember your questions, or explain your symptoms or concerns to your doctor to receive the answers you need. Here are ways to help talk to your health care provider to address your pregnancy concerns and questions:

  • Discuss your health history and any conditions you have
  • Discuss any prior pregnancies and any past pregnancy complications
  • Bring a family member or friend for support to help ask the questions you need answered
  • Review the above warning signs and let your provider know if you are experiencing one of these symptoms
  • If you were pregnant within the last year, tell your provider
  • Ask about postpartum checkups and get those scheduled after delivery

The CDC provides additional resources to help you talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Managing Weight During Pregnancy

 

During your pregnancy, it is best to focus on eating the right foods and staying active. Below are some healthy eating tips to help you get started.

Healthy choices

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and low in calories and fat.
  • Beans are not only a good source of protein and fiber, they have other key nutrients, such as iron, folate, calcium and zinc.
  • Eat breads, crackers, and cereals made with whole grains.
  • Choose reduced-fat dairy products (at least 4 servings of milk products per day).
  • Choose low-fat or fat-free cheese or yogurt.

For a complete breakdown of the basic pregnancy diet, check out this pregnancy nutrition infographic from What to Expect®.

Foods to avoid

  • Naturally sweetened is better than foods and drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
  • Food and drinks that list sugar or corn syrup as one of the first ingredients are not good choices.
  • Many sweetened drinks are high in calories and sugar. Substitute water for sodas and fruit drinks.
  • Avoid junk-food snacks, such as chips, candy, cake, cookies and ice cream.
  • Go light on fats. Fats include cooking oils, margarine, butter, gravy, sauces, mayonnaise, regular salad dressings, lard, sour cream and cream cheese. Try the lower-fat versions of these foods.

Learn more about foods to avoid during pregnancy — check out this infographic or visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' page on Food Safety.

Exercising during Pregnancy

 

If you did not exercise regularly before becoming pregnant, now is the time to start! Staying healthy and fit when you are expecting is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Moderate exercise, as recommended by your provider, can help burn extra calories. Do not push yourself — simply walking or swimming not only provides great health benefits, they are safe options for those who are pregnant as well.

Check out these safe workout tips to help you stay active throughout each stage of your pregnancy:

Compass Rose Health Plan members have access to Active&Fit Direct™ to help you stay active with flexible fitness options starting at just $25 a month. With the Active&Fit Direct program, you will have access to thousands of fitness centers and studios as well as digital workout videos. Get started by accessing your exclusive Compass Rose Health Plan member link in myCompass.



Please note: while it is important to workout during pregnancy, make sure you consult your obstetrician before you engage in any physical activity.

WHEN BABY HAS ARRIVED

 

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Regular well-child visits during your baby’s first 15 months allow pediatricians to provide recommended preventive services including screenings and immunizations. Plus, your pediatrician can make sure your child is meeting developmental milestones common for his or her age.

Receiving recommended preventive services could improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents and promote healthy lifestyles that will enable them to achieve their full potential. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies get checkups at birth, 3 to 5 days after birth and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 months, after which, visits become yearly.

Keep up with recommended well-child visits to make sure your baby is receiving the care they need.

It is important to remember that each child is different. Your pediatrician will be able to provide care recommendations tailored to you and your child.