This webpage is provided by the District of Columbia, Medicaid and Alliance Perinatal Collaborative. This webpage is intended for District caseworkers, those caring for pregnant women, and pregnant women themselves. This site includes links to local as well as national resources on pregnancy and pregnancy related topics.
There are a lot of things that go into having a healthy pregnancy. The District of Columbia offers pregnant women, care-givers, and health care providers access to government sponsored services as well as services offered by community-based organizations. To access available resources in Washington DC, select the picture of the topic of interest to you. Once you select the picture, you will be guided to links about that topic.
The Department of Health Care Finance has also partnered with text4baby which helps pregnant women and new moms increase their knowledge about caring for their health and giving their babies the best possible start in life. Register for free text messages by clicking on either link at the bottom of the page.
Make certain to schedule an appointment with your primary health care provider before making any health care related decisions. Contact 911 for assistance with health care emergencies.
Disclaimer: This website and the information contained herein have been prepared by the District of Columbia’s Department of Health Care Finance for informational purposes only and is not intended or interpreted as medical advice. The Department of Health Care Finance designed this website to provide general helpful information about available pregnancy resources to members of the general public. By posting and/or maintaining this website and its contents, the Department of Health Care Finance does not intend to endorse, recommend or solicit services from any particular provider of care.
The District of Columbia offers the following Medicaid Managed Care Plans: AmeriHealth District of Columbia, Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN), MedStar Family Choice, and Trusted Health Plan. District residents should click the photo to learn about District Medicaid Health Plans.
Family Planning and Prevention
There are several birth control options available. You can start learning about birth control before becoming pregnant, during pregnancy and after pregnancy. You can learn about abstinence, how to have safe sex, or other types of birth control. By learning about birth control options early, a woman and her partner can decide what will work best for them. Learn more about Family Planning and Prevention by selecting the photo to the left.
Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant. Take care of yourself and your baby by:
- Getting early prenatal care. If you're pregnant, or think you might be, call your doctor to schedule a visit.
- Getting regular prenatal care. Your doctor will schedule you for many checkups over the course of your pregnancy. Don't miss any-they are all important.
- Follow your doctor's advice.
Regular prenatal care appointments with a doctor and/or midwife are important for maintaining the health of a mother and her baby during pregnancy. Your doctor will examine you using lab tests and an ultrasound to make sure you and your baby are healthy. Learn about Prenatal Care by selecting the picture above.
Healthy eating habits during pregnancy help to ensure mother and baby receive the proper nutrients. Select the photo to learn more about Nutrition and available Food Assistance programs.
There are several community-based organizations and programs throughout Washington DC including community health centers with locations throughout the city, advocacy groups, counseling services and other resources. To learn more about available programs and services, please click on the image above.
Behavioral (Mental Health) Services
There are several available behavioral (mental health) services and professional counseling services available to District residents. Many people cope with mental illness by using drugs and/or alcohol. To learn more about Behavioral (Mental Health) Services and drug treatment please click the photo.
Emotional Support and Social Services
There are several available resources for parents, single mothers, fathers, and same-sex partners on topics such as domestic violence, drug abuse, homelessness/housing and professional counseling. To learn more about these types of services, select the photo.
When a new baby arrives it is important to schedule and attend all well baby visits. It is also important to learn how to hold your new baby, how to care for the baby's belly button, how to bond and comfort the baby when he or she cries. Select the Newborn Care baby picture to learn more.
BreastfeedingThere are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether to feed a baby by breast or by using a bottle with baby formula. By educating herself on the benefits of both options, a pregnant woman can make an informed decision. Learn more by selecting the Breastfeeding image.
The safety of your baby is very important. Making your house "baby-safe" means knowing that whatever your baby might try to open, pull on, or play with won't hurt him or her. There are several available check-lists and recommendations for buying safe toys, car seats, high chairs, cribs, and more. To learn about baby proofing your home, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) classes and other baby safety resources, please click on the picture to learn more.
Many women have changes in their mood during and after pregnancy. Symptoms of postpartum emotions may include being sleepy, tired, sad, short-tempered or feeling lonely. You may experience physical changes after giving birth: heavy bleeding, cramping or other body changes that may also affect your mood. To learn more about postpartum care select the Postpartum Care photo.
Pregnancy resources are typically geared toward women, however, we understand many fathers are also primary caregivers. This section is dedicated to fathers or male partners who may need access to resources in Washington DC to support their babies and loved ones. Select the image to learn more about available programs and services for fathers or male caregivers.
Related Resources:
DHCF will maintain a listing of related resources and services that are available to case managers, expectant moms, and parents. Continue to check back for new listings.
- http://www.dchealthcheck.net/
- http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/
- http://www.nationalhealthystart.org/about_us
