Being pregnant can bring feelings of joy as well as anxiousness. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, follow these steps:
- Schedule your first prenatal appointment with your OB-GYN, midwife or other prenatal care provider. Find information on SmartHealth's tier network here.
- Talk to your OB-GYN about medications including prenatal vitamins and what foods to avoid.
- Discuss with your OB-GYN where you would like to deliver. Using the Ascension network (tier 1) will lower your out-of-pocket costs when compared to services through the national network (tier 2) or using an out-of-network facility. Visit multiple sites of care before you decide.
- Check out our Pregnancy Support Program (information below).
- Sign up for a childbirth class as soon as possible - classes fill up quickly.
- Decide if you will breastfeed your child. Speak with a lacatation consultant or take a breastfeeding class to make an informed decision.
- Talk to your OB-GYN if you are feeling depressed during pregnacy or after delivery. This can be a common feeling and you should alert your doctor.
- Choose your baby's pediatrician. Your OB-GYN can also offer suggestions.
A wide range of topics on pregnancy and childcare are covered in our health library, including planning a pregnancy, warning signs and symptoms, what to expect from labor and delivery, and expert advice on feeding your baby.
Pregnancy support program
Are you pregnant and need help understanding your benefits, experiencing physical or mental health problems, or at an increased risk of pregnancy complications? You can contact our SmartHealth Care Management team for additional support. Our maternity nurses will work with your doctor to develop a care plan that is right for you, and provide you with resources, education and answer your benefit questions.
Get in touch with a nurse care manager or a behavioral health specialist by:
- Email: acmmembers@ascension.org
- Phone: 855-288-6747
- Fill out our contact form
Download the printable "Your partner in pregnacy support" flier with QR code.
Breastfeeding benefits
Breastmilk is the best food for your baby and provides just the right amount of nutrients to help them develop and grow. Additionally, it is gentle on your baby's stomach, intestines, and other parts of their body. When possible, experts recommend breastfeeding until your baby is at least six months old. You can then begin to add solid foods along with breastfeeding until your child is 1 to 2 years old. More information on breastfeeding can be found on the health library.
Tier 1 breast pump supplies
SmartHealth has partnered with Edgepark to offer members an easy, affordable way to receive breast pumps and other supplies. Members will need to follow the steps to create an account. You will be asked to provide your state of residence and add Ascension SmartHealth as your insurance provider. Once complete, choose breast pumps and supplies. Edgepark will bill SmartHealth and ship your supplies directly to your home.
If you choose to purchase breast pumps and supplies through a different vendor, please fill out the breast pump reimbursement request form and return to the address on the form.
Breastfeeding support and counseling policy:
A lactation consultant can help new mom’s navigate the rewarding but challenging breastfeeding journey. Lactation support/ counseling and select supplies are covered benefits for SmartHealth members at no cost when obtained from an Ascension network or National network provider with a covered diagnosis code. Click the SmartHealth Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act link and scroll to the Breastfeeding Services and Supplies section to obtain more detailed information.
Additional Resources
Ascension announces the publication of its groundbreaking, 1 in 50: Ascension's Maternal Health Report.
Find a doctor or specialist, including OB-GYN's and pediatricians, who listen to understand, close to home.