Preparing for the arrival of a little one? Congratulations! You probably have a lot on your mind. Choosing baby names and setting up a nursery are likely two of them. Here's another to remember: making the most of your maternity coverage benefits.

We've put together a handy checklist to help guide you through your pregnancy:

First Trimester
□    Make a prenatal appointment with your OB/GYN
□    Start taking a daily prenatal vitamin
□    Become familiar with the health insurance benefits you'll use during pregnancy
□    Talk with your doctor to make sure any medicine you take is safe for your baby
□    Stop smoking and drinking
□    Lower your caffeine intake
□    Avoid dangerous foods
□    Limit your activities to those that are pregnancy-safe
□    Learn to spot warning signs that could mean there's a problem
□    Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day
□    Follow your baby’s development with prenatal care
□    Map out a parenting plan with your partner
□    Choose an in-network doctor for your baby using our Provider Finder® tool
□    Watch your weight to make sure you don’t gain too much or too little

 Second Trimester
□    Join a prenatal exercise class
□    Look into child-birthing classes
□    Have your teeth cleaned to prevent pregnancy gingivitis caused by hormones
□    Stretch often
□    Keep tracking your weight
□    Go to all your prenatal visits
□    Use Provider Finder® to find an in-network location to deliver your baby

Third Trimester
□    Start sleeping on your side
□    Wrap up your prenatal visits
□    Create a safe nursery
□    Search for child care
□    Choose your baby’s formula or prepare for breastfeeding. 
□    Take birthing classes
□    Make a birth plan
□    Watch for late pregnancy complications
□    Install a car seat according to seat guidelines

A healthy pregnancy is important and we’re here to help. If you have any questions about your pregnancy, call the customer service number on your member ID card for information about your health insurance benefits and maternity coverage.

* This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are under the care of a doctor and receive advice contrary to the information contained on this website, follow the doctor's advice. See your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms or health problems.

Source: Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy,  Mayo Clinic, 2022; Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Never Ignore,  Baby Center, 2021; Pregnancy Complications to Watch Out For,  Baby Center, 2020

Originally published 12/1/2020; Revised 2023