Pregnancy
From prenatal to postpartum, your benefits are designed to support you through each stage of your pregnancy.
A healthy pregnancy is just the beginning
We're dedicated to supporting healthy pregnancies, from early prenatal care in your first trimester all the way through childbirth and the months that follow.
Prenatal Care
An average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, with the weeks grouped into three trimesters. The first trimester occurs during the first three months of your pregnancy. During this time, your body undergoes many changes.
Prenatal visits will allow you to follow the progress of your baby’s development and give you an opportunity to talk to your doctor about any pregnancy concerns. It's your chance to ask questions, discuss your medical history, weight, diet and lifestyle—and help you prepare for childbirth and life with a new baby. As soon as you think you might be pregnant, and in the first three months of pregnancy, you should visit your healthcare provider.
During your prenatal visits, you will:
- Discuss your health history and any pregnancy risks factors based on age, health and/or family history
- Receive an ultrasound and important lab work
- Learn your due date
- Discuss your delivery plans
Healthy Pregnancy
Tips to help ensure the health of both you and your baby.
Consider prenatal vitamins
These provide important vitamins and minerals including folic acid, iron and calcium. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube birth defects, which affect the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Eat right
Proper nutrition during pregnancy helps your baby grow and develop. Experts recommend 6-11 servings of bread and grains, 2-4 servings of fruit, 4+ servings of vegetables, 4 servings of dairy and 3 servings of protein.
Cut caffeine
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you should have no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day, or the amount of one 12-ounce cup.
Stop smoking
Smoking during pregnancy can put yourself and your unborn baby at risk for serious health problems, including premature birth, certain birth defects and infant death.
Visit your dentist
During pregnancy, rising hormone levels can irritate gums, causing tenderness, swelling and bleeding. Brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
Stay active
Whether you find relaxation in prenatal yoga or prefer to break a sweat with your workout, talk to your doctor about safe ways to stay active while you’re pregnant.
Maternity Coverage
For members of the Service Benefit Plan, all prenatal and postpartum care is covered in full when you visit a Preferred professional provider. What you pay for facility care is based on the plan you're enrolled in.
What you pay when you visit Preferred providers:
| FEP Blue Focus® | FEP Blue Basic™ | FEP Blue Standard™ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery |
$1,500 per pregnancy for facility care |
$250 per inpatient admission; nothing for outpatient services |
Covered in full when you visit a Preferred provider |
| Ultrasound |
$0 |
$0 copay | $0 copay |
| Lab & diagnostic tests |
$0 copay* |
$0 copay | $0 copay |
| Postpartum care |
$0 copay* |
$0 copay | $0 copay |
Get a free blood pressure monitor
It’s important to monitor your blood pressure when you’re pregnant. As part of our maternity benefits, pregnant members can get a blood pressure monitor at no cost by mailing this form to the address listed on the form. Eligible members can receive this benefit every two years.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health
We also provide benefits to cover up to eight visits per year in full to treat depression associated with pregnancy (including depression during pregnancy, postpartum depression or both) when you use a Preferred provider.
Helpful Resources
These programs and resources can help you and your baby stay healthy every step of the way.
Office of Women's Health
This section of womenshealth.gov will help expectant mothers learn what to do before, during, and after pregnancy to give your baby a healthy start to life. Take their quiz to test your knowledge on pregnancy health.
USDA ChooseMyPlate Daily Food Plans
Create a personalized daily food plan that shows the foods and amounts that are right for you at your stage of pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
ACOG is the nation's leading group of physicians providing health care for women. Visit their site for fact sheets on pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum care.
March of Dimes
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The non-profit organization helps moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies by researching and working to prevent the problems that threaten babies.
Hear Her Campaign
Brought to you by the CDC, this campaign seeks to raise awareness of urgent maternal warning signs during and after pregnancy. Get helpful tips and watch personal stories of pregnancy-related complications and those who helped to Hear Her.
Focused on better maternal health
We’re committed to helping reduce maternal health disparities by making sure pregnant individuals, new parents and babies get the support they need during every stage of pregnancy.
Learn More
Get support and earn rewards throughout your pregnancy
The Pregnancy Care Incentive Program offers expectant mothers support and rewards during each stage of pregnancy. You could be eligible* to earn a free Pregnancy Care Box packed with items you can use during and after pregnancy—and $75 in wellness rewards.
*You must be 18 or older on a FEP Blue Standard™ or FEP Blue Basic™ plan to earn this reward.
