I'm Pregnant, So Now What?

So you just found out you are pregnant. It’s not something you were expecting or wanting. Now you need to take good care of yourself and your baby. Even if you have not decided what you are going to do about your pregnancy, you still need to take care of your body. You should discontinue usage of any alcohol, recreational drugs and tobacco products. You should also talk with your doctor about any prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter medications that you are taking to make sure it is okay for you to continue usage while you are pregnant.

Now that you are taking good care of yourself and your body it is time to start thinking about your options. Making a decision about your pregnancy is a very difficult and emotional thing. Whether you are looking at parenting, making an adoption plan, or terminating your pregnancy there are no easy answers. However you do have options and you need to find out all the facts about each option prior to making such a big decision that will affect you for the rest of your life. By talking with a LSS Pregnancy and Birth Parent Services Social Worker you will be educated about your options and your worker will help you as you proceed through the decision making process, and the remainder of your pregnancy. Most young women and men find it very helpful to talk to someone.

Prenatal Care

It is very important that you begin prenatal care as soon as possible after you find out that you are pregnant. Receiving prenatal care is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Medical Assistance for Pregnant Women

Minnesota offers two primary health care programs that may help pregnant women pay for past, current and future medical costs related to pregnancy and delivery for pregnant women and their newborns.

Medical Assistance
is Minnesota’s Medicaid program for low-income families, with higher income limits for pregnant women and children under the age of 2.

Minnesota Care
is a subsidized health insurance program for Minnesota families who no not have access to affordable health insurance coverage.

Pregnant women should apply as soon as possible after finding out they are pregnant. To apply, you will need to have your doctor or clinic confirm your pregnancy in writing. Babies born to women covered by one of Minnesota’s health care programs are covered through the month of their first birthday as long as the baby continues to live with the mother and resides in the state of Minnesota.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
is a federally funded supplemental nutritional program that is available to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children from birth-age 5, who meet specific economic guidelines. WIC provides women and children with quality food such as milk, cheese, cereal, eggs, juice, peanut butter, and baby formula. WIC also provides information on nutrition and health, as well as referrals to other community resources.

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