Your Healthy Pregnancy

Congratulations! And welcome to the club of amazing parents-to-be!

We want to support you and Baby in having the healthiest and most comfortable pregnancy journey possible!

To help you navigate your Medicaid benefits and health during pregnancy and beyond, we’ve put together this handy dandy Pregnancy & Postpartum Info and Resource Packet just for you. 🙂

Master your pregnancy by incorporating these healthy behaviors into your routine for a smooth journey:

• Take folic acid (included in most prenatal vitamins)
• Don’t use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
• Avoid exposure to toxic substances
• Follow a healthy and safe diet
• Limit caffeine intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular dental checkups
• Make it to all your prenatal doctor appointments 🙂
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Prenatal Appointments are where the magic happens…

With regular prenatal care you can:

• Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications
• Identify and treat any conditions that occur during pregnancy – such as high blood pressure or diabetes – to prevent serious complications and their effects.
• Identify, treat, or prepare for any issues with the baby.
• Ensure that the recommended screenings and tests are being done at appropriate times during your pregnancy.

Topics to bring up with your doctor at your prenatal visits:

• History of depression
• Issues with previous pregnancies
• Issues that might keep you from attending prenatal appointments (job, childcare, transportation…)
• Medications you’re taking – including herbal supplements as they can harm Baby
• Physical activity levels that are safe for you and Baby
• What does healthy weight gain look like?
• Vaccinations for you and Baby
• Birth control options and family planning after Baby is born
• Your nutrition needs, including vitamin B12 and iron levels

Level up with prenatal vitamins!

Medicaid will cover many prenatal vitamins! Even though prenatal vitamins can be purchased “over-the-counter,” in order for Medicaid to cover them, your doctor will need to send a prescription to your pharmacy. Your pharmacy will pull them from the shelf and have them ready for when you arrive to pick them up – easy peasy!

What do prenatals even do? Folic acid guards against neural tube defects in Baby’s early development. Iron fights against pregnancy fatigue AND supports the development of the placenta and fetus. Calcium and vitamin D build strong bones…and more! The earlier you start taking them, the better.

Let’s Talk About Breast Pumps

There are a couple of ways that you are able to get a breast pump with your Medicaid benefits.

Quit Tobacco & Get Paid (up to $130)!!

Smoking is harmful to moms and babies. Quitting is super hard and the Wyoming Quit Tobacco Program is ready to help you! They can help you develop a personalized quit plan; provide free gum, patches, and more; quit coaches; and 24/7 support and tools. Those who use the Wyoming Quit Tobacco Program are 3x more likely to quit.

The Wyoming Quit Tobacco Program wants to see you quit smoking for your health and baby’s health. You’re eligible for incentives for your participation too:

• $10 Visa prepaid gift card for each coaching call completed while pregnant (up to $50).
• $20 Visa prepaid gift card for each coaching call completed after pregnancy (up to $80).

Maximize Your Medicaid Benefits!

🙂 Dental Care for adults age 21+ includes preventive and emergency dental services. This includes coverage for two check-up visits per year (exam, x-rays, and basic cleaning) as well as pain relief and extractions. Children and young adults under 21 have more services available.

🙂 Most Prescription Medications and some over-the-counter drugs are covered. A prescription is required for all drugs.

🙂 Ultrasounds are covered if ordered by a provider.

🙂 Dietitian Services are covered by a licensed Dietitian when referred by a provider.

🙂 Mental Health & Substance Use Services are covered. Using substances like drugs and alcohol can hurt you and Baby during pregnancy, your ability to care for any children you have, and can cause physical health problems. A substance use treatment provider is a professional trained to help individuals using drugs and alcohol and can also help treat root causes of substance use. Click the link to find a substance use treatment provider in your area.

Questions? Or, want to check your coverage on something specific? Call the Wyoming Medicaid Customer Service Center @ 855-294-2127 or check out the Member Handbook by clicking the button.

Your Mental Health During Pregnancy

How are YOU feeling? 

Being pregnant can bring lots of different emotions, like happiness or worry. Sometimes, feeling really stressed or sad can be a sign that you need some extra support. 

Don’t be shy about talking about how you’re feeling when you go to the doctor for your regular check-ups. They’re there to help you with both the changes in your body and your feelings. If you ever need more help, they can connect you with a mental health professional who can offer guidance and support. It’s also helpful to talk to other moms-to-be. You can share your experiences and feelings with each other. Remember, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body for you and your baby.

Need to talk now? Call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, number below. Or, if you’re in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. 

Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

(TTY users: use a preferred relay service OR dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.)

Mental Health. It’s important to seek help when you start to feel distress or that something “just isn’t right.” Reaching out for support is a sign of strength. These are the professionals who can help you through depression, anxiety, and more! Click the link to find mental health professionals by Wyoming county.

Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Program

Ever wished there was a way to stretch your grocery budget and still cook up nutritious meals? Look no further than the Woman, Infant, Children Program!

What exactly is WIC? WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children that focuses on the link between good nutrition and good health. 🙂

Pro tip: Pregnant women can qualify – contact WIC today!!

For more information about the amazing benefits of the WIC Program and to sign up, visit the WIC website by clicking the button below!

Wyoming Hand in Hand Program

We would like to tell you about the Wyoming Hand in Hand program! It is a free program available to all women, in all 23 Wyoming counties, during pregnancy and following the birth of your baby and can continue until your child’s 2nd birthday. A specially trained nurse can provide various screenings, evidence based education, and specialized support for your family.

Wyoming Hand in Hand nurses want to help you have a healthy pregnancy, improve bonding and attachment, support your child’s health and development and teach you the skills to parent effectively.

All of our Wyoming Hand in Hand nurses are also Certified Lactation Counselors and can help with many breastfeeding issues that may arise. The Wyoming Hand in Hand program even offers developmental gifts throughout the program to support a hands-on learning environment!

FREE – Understanding Birth eClass

This is a FREE online eClass offered through Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and is available to anyone.

The Understanding Birth eClass is a unique online learning experience that provides comprehensive information you can trust as you prepare for your upcoming birth. In this class, you’ll learn all about the birth process and medical procedures through instructive video clips, animations, and interactive games. You’ll also get a sense of what labor is really like as you watch several birth stories. You’ll even have an opportunity to create your own birth plan!

Prenatal Visit with a Pediatric Provider

While you are pregnant, you are welcome to select a pediatric provider for your Baby and schedule an appointment to meet with them!

Medicaid can cover the cost of a prenatal pediatric provider visit once during a pregnancy.

Resources

Feeling like you’re juggling a thousand things and still coming up short? Don’t worry – there are some awesome resources available!

Department of Family Services.  The Wyoming Department of Family Services has multiple programs you might be eligible for many different reasons: food assistance, housing, utilities, energy assistance, cash assistance and more! If you are interested in learning more, visit DFS.

Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Program. WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children that focuses on the link between good nutrition and good health. You’ll get FREE healthy food and MORE! Learn more by contacting WIC. 

By using this website, you acknowledge that the State of Wyoming does not endorse any of the sites or services that may be referenced on or linked to on this site. The State of Wyoming will not be responsible or liable for those sites’ content or any loss occasioned by any such content. Other Internet sites or services may have privacy policies or security that differ from the privacy policy or security of the State of Wyoming.

This page was last updated on July 22, 2024.