Maternal health program
Your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus plan comes with extra benefits to support you and your baby’s health before, during and after pregnancy.
About the program
Take the first step to getting your child off to a good start
If you’re expecting, learn more by calling Member Services at:
1-800-711-9862, TTY 711
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Central Time. The call is free.
Prenatal care
Healthier babies start with healthier pregnancies
Pregnant Blue AdvantageSM Families and Children and MinnesotaCare members get extra health plan benefits for prenatal and postpartum care.
As soon as you know you're pregnant, call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card to learn more and get started.
The importance of prenatal care visits
Prenatal care is a routine, covered healthcare visit for people who are pregnant.
Early and regular prenatal visits help your doctor or provider monitor your health and the growth of the baby.
It is the most important thing you can do for the health of you and your baby.
Support and Resources
Getting ready for baby
In addition to covering your doctor visits, your Blue Plus health plan comes with extra programs and benefits to help you prepare for childbirth and beyond.
Call Member Services at 1-800-711-9862, TTY 711 for more information on these programs and benefits. The call is free.
Sign up for Maven Maternity Support
Maven is a digital program that eligible members can utilize at no charge.3 Maven provides virtual resources and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to members during and after pregnancy as well as after a pregnancy loss.
Get support from a Case Manager
A Case Manager can help you find in-network providers, set up doctor visits and follow-up appointments and answer questions between doctor visits. They can also help with resources around housing, security, finances, treatment plans and medication.
Consider working with a doula
A doula helps you prepare for birth by providing physical and emotional support to you before, during and just after birth. They can talk to the doctors for you about your birth plan, make you feel comfortable during labor, offer breastfeeding support, and more.
Get a car seat with the county car seat and booster program
Infants and children under age 9 can receive a car seat or booster at no additional cost.4 Children aged 9 or older who are unable to pass Minnesota’s Child Passenger Safety Law (5-step test) due to their size remain eligible for the car seat program.
Healthy Rewards program
When you join Healthy Rewards, you and your family can earn rewards when you complete certain preventive screenings and healthy activities. This includes prenatal, postpartum and well-child visits.
Additional resources
Taking care of you and baby
In addition to your doctor visits, there are many other resources available to help keep you and your baby healthy both physically and emotionally. Get more support and education for:
Premature Babies
If your baby was born early or sick, the NICU Family Support® Program helps parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
March of Dimes offers information and help for premature babies.
Breastfeeding
For questions about breastfeeding:
Visit La Leche League or call the La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-877-452-5324.
Visit the Infant Risk Center for questions about breastfeeding and medications.
Postpartum Depression
The best resource for managing postpartum depression is your primary care doctor.
You can also contact Postpartum Support International.
Visit Postpartum Support International
Find support for pregnancy and infant loss with Share.
Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC)
These visits are an important part of preventive care for children and teens from birth through age 20. You can also learn about when vaccinations are recommended based on your child's age so that you can be prepared.
General Health
There are many resources to help you and your baby stay safe, happy and healthy
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides substance use and mental health treatment information
- Quitting tobacco program helps you develop and maintain a quit smoking or vaping plan with support from a wellness coach
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offers nutrition and breastfeeding support
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information on maternal and infant health, postpartum depression, teen pregnancy, contraception and more
- Baby Safe Haven is available if you feel you can’t care for your baby
- Learn to Live is an online mental health program for members living with stress, depression, substance use, insomnia and/or social anxiety.
- Dental visits during pregnancy are an important part of prenatal care. Get basic dental services, including checkups, cleanings and fillings, all at no additional cost. For more information or help to find a provider, call Delta Dental5 at 1-800-774-9049, TTY 711. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Time.
Common pregnancy terms to know
Better understand common pregnancy-related terms so you can feel more confident during your appointments.
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG): This group of people/doctors that set best practice recommendations for the kind of care/how often, testing, and way to treat pregnant patients. Learn more about ACOG
Anatomy scan: a scan of a birthing person’s uterus to see a current picture of the baby/babies, and to examine physical development, and determine if any abnormalities are present
Anemia: a condition in which the number of red blood cells is low
Behavioral health screening: a survey that patients will fill out at a few of the prenatal visits. This survey helps to measure any changes in mental health throughout pregnancy and after labor and delivery. It is very normal for people to feel overwhelmed, tired, and even anxious with all of the changes the birthing person goes through in this journey. The survey helps the care team to determine how to help the birthing person.
Conception: when a person becomes pregnant
Doula: a person to provide guidance and support to a birthing person during pregnancy, through birth, and after the baby is born
Genetic screen: blood is drawn from the birthing person and the genes within the blood cells are examined by a specialist to see if any abnormalities are present
Gestational diabetes: diabetes that gets diagnosed only in pregnancy
Labor and birth plan: a plan that outlines the birthing person’s wishes for how they’d like to give birth
Lactation: the process of a birthing person creating breastmilk
Lactation consult: a meeting with a specialist to aid the birthing person breastfeeding/successful lactation
Native American Community Clinic (NACC): The Native American Community Clinic is a clinic serving the Native American community of the Twin Cities. They promote health and wellness of the mind, body, and spirit of Native American families. Learn more about the NACC
NIPS test: blood is drawn from the birthing person and the genes within the blood cells are examined by a specialist to see if any abnormalities are present
Preeclampsia: high blood pressure that is diagnosed in pregnancy
Prenatal (antenatal) visits: appointments with your doctor during pregnancy
Postpartum: the period of time after a baby is born
RH antibody test: blood is drawn that is analyzed to determines blood type
Rhogam: an injection given during pregnancy if it is determined that the birthing person’s blood type could be different than their baby’s
STI screening: STI stands for ‘Sexually Transmitted Infection’. This is a urine test to determine if an STI is active in the body.
TDAP: Vaccination to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
Ultrasound: a scan of a birthing person’s uterus to see a current picture of the baby/babies, and to provide an exam of the baby/babies during pregnancy
DHS_100424_K01 DHS Approved 11/19/2024
1Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/basics/healthy-pregnancy/hlv-20049471; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-testing/art-20045177; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/prenatal-genetic-testing-chart; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/routine-tests-during-pregnancy.
2American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).
3This digital program requires a valid email address and internet access to utilize the program. If you do not have a valid email address or internet access, Blue Plus alternatively can connect you with a case manager that can provide educational information and support for maternity management.
4Restrictions apply. Pregnant Blue Plus members must be at least 7 months or more into their pregnancy before receiving a car seat. Members are eligible for one car seat and one booster seat through this Blue Plus program. Eligible members living in Anoka, Blue Earth, Dakota, Hennepin and St. Louis counties can visit everyday-miracles.org/requests to contact Everyday Miracles directly to get a car seat or booster seat.
5Dental services provided through Delta Dental of Minnesota, which is independent from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Delta Dental provides administrative benefits, including access to the Minnesota Select Dental network.