Pregnancy can be both an exciting and stressful time for families. Knowing that you are doing all that you can to stay healthy and give your baby a healthy start can give you peace of mind. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you likely have many questions. Below, you will find some links to helpful resources.
Before Pregnancy
If you are planning to have children, begin by getting in the best health possible:
- Take a closer look at your eating habits
- Address any existing health issues
- Review your medications
- Consider your physical activity
Each of these can affect your pregnancy. Learning more can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant.
How do I find a primary care provider (PCP) or obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN)?
For individuals with Medicaid, visit the Department of Medical Assistance’s website to find a provider.
For individuals with private insurance, most insurance companies offer a website where you can search for primary care and other providers who are in network and in your area.
If you do not have insurance, visit Medicaid for Pregnant Women to learn more and see if you qualify for Medicaid coverage. If not, you can also call your local health district (LHD) to see what providers may be available.
Community Health Centers (CHCs), also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, provide primary and preventative health care to persons with Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and the uninsured. Find a CHC near you.
What vitamins or supplements should I take before getting pregnant?
It is recommended that you start taking prenatal vitamins before you become pregnant. You can buy prenatal vitamins at most grocery stores and drug stores.
Folic acid is very important to early growth of a baby. It is a key component of prenatal vitamins. Learn more about the importance of taking folic acid before and during pregnancy.
I think I may be pregnant. What now?
If you think you are pregnant, you can:
- Take a pregnancy test at home. Pregnancy tests are sold at most grocery stores and drug stores. Waiting to take a pregnancy test until you have missed a period is recommended. You can also schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to take a pregnancy test. Learn more about pregnancy tests.
- Visit a healthcare provider. Starting prenatal care early in a pregnancy is best. It is a way to make sure you have the healthiest pregnancy for both you and your baby.
- Start taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as possible. Folic acid is very important to early growth of a baby and is in prenatal vitamins. You can buy prenatal vitamins at most grocery stores and drug stores.
For more information on getting tested for pregnancy, visit family planning. There is also information about testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI). STIs can affect a pregnancy and developing baby.
It can be helpful to call your insurance provider to discuss what is covered during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
I don’t have health care insurance. What do I do?
If you are pregnant and do not have medical insurance, you may qualify for Medicaid insurance for pregnant women.
If you do not have health insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid, you may want to visit the Health Insurance Marketplace to see what your insurance options are.
During Pregnancy
It is important to make sure you have accurate information on how to stay healthy during pregnancy. It is also important to know how to access support and services that you may need.
Where can I learn more about what happens during pregnancy?
- March of Dimes – provides information on pregnancy week by week
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – provides information and FAQs on pregnancy
What symptoms or warning signs may mean I am having a medical issue during pregnancy?
What medications, cosmetics, substances, vaccines, etc., are safe during pregnancy?
What vaccines should I get during pregnancy?
Visit ACOG's website to learn more about the recommended vaccines for pregnancy.
What if I become pregnant and have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic illness?
Keep watch on your blood pressure. It can help you learn if you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of issues during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It can be life-threatening for both mom and baby. Speak to your healthcare provider about your blood pressure. It is particularly important if you know you already have high blood pressure. Visit the website for the Moms Under Pressure Program. Their website provides education and information on one program in Virginia that could provide support for you and your family.
Diabetes is another chronic health issue that is very important to manage during pregnancy. If you know you have diabetes, speaking with your healthcare provider about managing your blood sugar before you become pregnant is recommended because as you go through pregnancy, the way you treat your diabetes may need to change. It can affect both mom and baby in serious ways. The American Diabetes Association has more information you can read about online.
Gestational diabetes is one kind of diabetes. Some women will develop gestational diabetes after they become pregnant. Your healthcare provider should test you. It is part of normal prenatal care between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Visit ACOG to learn more.
You may also want to speak to your health care provider about taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. Low-dose aspirin may be able to help prevent preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease for those at high risk. Learn more from DMAS’ Ask About Aspirin Campaign.
How important is dental health during pregnancy?
Getting dental health care and practicing good oral hygiene will help you keep yourself and your baby healthy. Delaying treatment for oral health problems could impact you and your baby. For example, a bad tooth infection could spread to your body. Change to your body when you are pregnant can also affect your oral health. Learn more about the importance of oral health during pregnancy and tips for oral care during this time.
I’ve heard that babies can develop birth defects during pregnancy. What are those? What can I do before and during pregnancy to prevent them?
Birth defects are structural changes present at birth. They can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or foot (CDC). Birth defect is a medical term. It does not mean that an individual is "defective." Rather, this term is meant to refer to health conditions that develop in a baby before birth.
Birth defects can happen for many reasons. You cannot prevent all birth defects, but there are steps you can take to help lower the risk.
To learn more about birth defects and how to prevent them, visit the CDC, VDH, or ACOG birth defects pages.
What can I do to prepare to give birth?
There are many helpful resources. Learn more about giving birth and what you can do to prepare for labor and delivery. Visit the links below.
March of Dimes – information on what to expect during your baby’s arrival:
- contractions
- signs of labor
- stages of labor
- signs and symptoms of preterm labor
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Information and FAQs on how to prepare for birth:
- labor & delivery
- when labor begins
- induced labor
- preterm births
- cesarean births
- blood cord banks
Virginia Department of Health – Information on how to prepare for birth and newborn screening tests.
I have Medicaid. What benefits are available to me if I am pregnant or recently had a child?
Visit the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)’ Maternal and Child Health page to learn more about Medicaid’s program and benefits for mothers and children.
Giving Birth
Where can I give birth?
Most people give birth in a hospital. Some families choose to give birth at a birthing center. Other families give birth at home. You can talk with your prenatal care provider about your options.
Learn more about some of the options and considerations for where to give birth.
What kind of medical providers should I choose for childbirth?
Learn more about how to choose the right health care provider for pregnancy and child birth.
There are a few different kinds of medical providers that help people give birth:
- Obstetricians (called OBs, obstetrician-gynecologists, OB-GYNs)
- Family practice doctors
- Midwives
Labor and delivery nurses may also be present to assist with the birthing process.
Obstetricians
An obstetrician is a medical doctor who:
- Has specialized training in women’s health and pregnancy
- Can provide prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care
- Sometimes has advanced training in caring for high-risk pregnancies
Family Practice Doctors
A family practice doctor or family practitioner is a medical doctor who:
- Has specialized training in family medicine, meaning numerous illnesses and conditions across ages and genders
- May care for women who are pregnant and newborns
- May manage labor and delivery, or may alternatively provide prenatal and postpartum care but not manage labor and delivery
Midwives:
A midwife is an independent healthcare provider who:
- Provides care for you during pregnancy
- Provides care during the birth
- Provides care during the postpartum period
There are several different types of midwives:
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs)
- Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs)
- Certified Midwives (CMs)
- Direct Entry Midwives (DEMs)
Some midwives work in hospitals, some work at birthing centers in the community, and some work with families that wish to give birth at home.
Visit the Virginia Midwives Alliance to learn more about midwives. There are different training requirements for different types of midwives working in Virginia. The National Association of Certified Professional Midwives has a description of the model of care certified professional midwives use when working with families. You can also learn more about why some people choose to get their care during pregnancy from a midwife on the Virginia Midwives Alliance website.
Looking to find a midwife? There are a couple of search sites you can use to look for a midwife in your area that has the background and training you are looking for. Remember you can also ask your friends, family, and any community-based organizations that serve families if they have worked with any midwives in the area where you live:
- The Virginia Midwives Alliance website offers help finding a midwife in Virginia.
- The American College of Nurse Midwives provides a directory on their website. Type in your zip code in order to see options in your area.
What medical tests will my baby get when it is born?
State law requires that most babies born in Virginia receive a bloodspot test. The test shows if your baby has certain disorders that require treatment soon after birth. Without treatment, the disorders may result in serious problems.
State law also requires that most babies born in Virginia receive a hearing screening test. Learn more at VDH's Early Hearing Detection and Intevention website.
Babies may also receive tests for certain heart diseases. The diseases are known as congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).
VDH supports you after the testing by providing follow up, resources, and referrals related to testing results.
What is a “birth defect” and what happens if my baby is born with one?
Birth defects are structural changes present at birth. They can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or foot (CDC). Birth defect is a medical term. It does not mean that an individual is "defective." Rather, this term is meant to refer to health conditions that develop in a baby before birth.
Birth defects can happen for many reasons. You cannot prevent all birth defects, but there are steps you can take to help lower the risk. Taking a multivitamin with folic acid during pregnancy can decrease the risk of some birth defects.
To learn more about birth defects, how to prevent them, and what kinds of supports are available to children who are born with birth defects, visit the CDC, VDH, or ACOG birth defects pages.
What appointments are important after my baby is born?
Ask your healthcare provider about what appointments you should schedule for yourself and your baby after they are born. Make sure you have scheduled postpartum visits. Postpartum visits are very important for keeping new moms healthy. Learn more about the importance of postpartum checkups and what to expect during them.
What is the PRAMS survey? What if I get contacted after giving birth to take this survey?
VA PRAMS stands for the Virginia Pregnancy and Risk Assessment Monitoring System. VA PRAMS is a survey for women that have recently had a baby. It asks for information about your experience before, during, and after giving birth. It is one of the only ways the state has to learn directly from women during the postpartum period about their experiences. The information gathered:
- can highlight the issues that new moms and babies are facing
- can show whether the types of programs offered by the state for mothers and infants are effective
- helps VDH and other agencies improve programs for moms and babies
If you are chosen to take the VA PRAMS survey, your name was chosen at random to take part in PRAMS. You must be contacted to take the survey. Your answers to the questions will be anonymous. If you don’t take part, PRAMS can’t choose another woman to take the survey in your place. If you have questions or concerns, please call our toll-free number and our staff will be happy to talk with you!
Pregnancy and Postpartum Rights at Work
In Virginia, what rights do I have at work when I am pregnant or have recently given birth?
Workers have rights under both federal and state law related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, federal law:
- Prohibits discrimination or harassment for these conditions. This includes discrimination for any aspect of employment such as hiring, firing, pay, promotions, training, and more.
- Requires most employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for these conditions. The only exception is if the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.”
In Virginia, Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3909) says that employers with more than five employees:
- Must provide reasonable accommodations for individuals related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. There is one exception. The exception is if the employer can prove this would, “impose an undue hardship.” Related medical conditions includes lactation.
- Cannot take negative actions against employees who ask for a reasonable accommodation.
- Cannot deny employment or promotions to an otherwise qualified person because of a reasonable accommodation related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
- Cannot require an employee to take leave if a reasonable accommodation is possible.
- Must post in an obvious location an employee's rights to reasonable accommodation related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This information must also be included in any employee handbook.
This law defines “reasonable accommodation” as:
- More frequent or longer bathroom breaks
- Breaks to express breast milk
- Access to a private location other than a bathroom for the expression of breast milk
- Acquisition or modification of equipment or access to or modification of employee seating
- A temporary transfer to a less strenuous or hazardous position
- Assistance with manual labor
- Job restructuring
- Modified work schedule
- Light duty assignments
- Leave to recover from childbirth
Employees whose rights have been violated under this law may take legal action against an employer. Learn more about your rights to reasonable accommodations in Virginia and how to take action if you feel your rights have been violated.
What is paid family and medical leave?
Paid family and medical leave refers to policies that give workers paid time off for certain family or medical-related reasons. Reasons include:
- Bonding/caring for a new child. This can be for giving birth, adoption, or foster care. You may have heard this referred to as “maternity,” “paternity,” or “parental” leave.
- Recovering from your own serious health condition.
- Caring for a loved one with a serious health condition.
Paid family and medical leave is different from paid sick leave. Paid sick leave refers to shorter-term leave for sickness. For example, taking a couple of days off because you have the flu.
Learn more about paid family and medical leave from the Women’s Bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor.
Can I get paid family and medical leave after I give birth?
In Virginia, paid family and medical leave policies vary by employer. Ask your employer about their leave policies.
There is no federal law or state law in Virginia that guarantees paid family or medical to anyone who works. This includes maternity, paternity, and parental leave.
Some employers voluntarily offer paid leave. However, not all paid leave policies provide 100% wage replacement. This means when you are on leave, you may still get paid, but less than your typical wage.
Many employers are required to provide unpaid family and medical leave to eligible employees. This is determined by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). You may qualify for unpaid leave under the federal FMLA. Learn more about FMLA and see if you are eligible.
Please note that VDH cannot provide legal advice related to the interpretation or application of these laws. If you feel your rights have been violated and wish to file a complaint or consult a legal expert, you may want to explore the following resources: