Education
What can I do to have a healthy baby?
See a doctor or other health care provider from the start of your pregnancy. TRIUMPH can help connect you with a doctor that specializes in pregnancy (prenatal) care.
Some reminders are: Don’t drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or take drugs. Eat healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, eggs, cheese and grains. Take good care of your health and don’t forget to exercise. Breastfeed your baby for as long as you can, Have your baby checked by a doctor or health care provider right after birth and throughout childhood.
What is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is the medical and nursing care you need during your pregnancy. The goal of prenatal care is to find any possible health problems and treat them before they hurt either you or your baby. Prenatal care makes sure that everything is going well with your pregnancy. It’s proven that it plays a big role in having a healthier baby. Also, it’s important to attend all of your prenatal care appointments, even if you’re feeling fine.
When should I see a doctor?
As soon as you think you are pregnant. Contact TRIUMPH by clicking the Contact Us button to the left. We can make sure you get care for you and your baby.
It’s important to attend all of your prenatal care appointments, even if you’re feeling fine.
Sometimes getting to an appointment is difficult or may seem unimportant. For the sake of you and your baby, always make pregnancy (prenatal) care a priority.
Ideally, it’s best to see your provider before you become pregnant. This is called a preconception visit. This visit can answer questions and address issues before you get pregnant. If you are considering pregnancy, please click the Contact Us button to get in touch with a TRIUMPH representative.
How often do I need prenatal care?
Most women will visit their health care provider 12 to 15 times during their pregnancy.
- Weeks 4 to 28: 1 visit per month
- Weeks 28 to 36: 2 visits per month
- Weeks 36 to birth: 1 visit per week
Some women may need to go more often. Your doctor will recommend the right schedule for you.
Make sure you go to all your prenatal care appointments, even if you’re feeling fine.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
TRIUMPH can help you apply for the appropriate assistance. You may be eligible for help through Medicaid. Once you have visited your health care provider, you can enroll in Missouri HealthNet, the Medicaid program for pregnant women and children. MO HealthNet will pay your health care provider for prenatal visits and delivering your baby.
Your health care provider may be able to enroll you in MO HealthNet at the time of your first visit. You may also call 1-888-275-5908.
How do I find a doctor?
TRIUMPH can help direct you to a doctor that specializes in pregnancy (prenatal) care. Community Health Centers offer prenatal care, and many other services that you may need. Click here for a list of health centers.
Missouri Tel-Link is a toll – free information line for pregnant women and new parents.
1-800-TEL-LINK or 1-800-835-5465
How will I get to prenatal care visits?
Pregnant women enrolled in MO HealthNet may request free transportation to health care visits. Talk with your health care provider or your MO HealthNet provider to learn more. If you need help getting to a doctor before you have MO HealthNet, contact TRIUMPH.
What happens at a prenatal care visit?
During prenatal visits, you will:
- Learn about pregnancy and the changes to your body
- Have simple tests to check for the health of you and your baby
- Learn about services that can help you now and after your baby is born
- Learn about the proper nutrients and food you should consume and exercises you should do
- Hear your baby’s heartbeat
Ask if you have any questions or concerns. Some moms write down questions and bring a list so they don’t forget.
Remember, the things you tell your health care provider are confidential. That means that he or she can’t tell anyone else what you say without your permission. It’s OK to tell your provider if you smoke, drink alcohol or take any drugs, or if your partner hurts or scares you. Your provider needs to know all about you, so that he or she can give you and your baby the best care possible.
