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IMPORTANT: Are you enrolled in Medi-Cal? Has your contact information changed in the past two years? Give your county office your updated contact information so you can stay enrolled. Go to benefitscal.com or call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services at 1-866-613-3777

A Healthy Pregnancy

It is important to see your doctor as soon as you think you might be pregnant. Your doctor will make sure that you and your growing baby are healthy.
To sign up for free text messages providing helpful information during your pregnancy, go to text4baby.org or send the word "Baby" to 511411. 

What You May Be Feeling
A woman’s body works hard during pregnancy. You may feel all or none of the following common symptoms of pregnancy.

  • Nausea or throwing up (also called morning sickness)
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Breast tenderness
  • Backache
  • Swollen feet or ankles
  • Mood swings
 
pregnant woman by lake
Take Care of Yourself

Now is the time to take care of yourself and your growing baby. Taking care of yourself means:

  • Eating well
  • Getting some exercise
  • Avoiding things that can harm you or your baby
  • Seeing your doctor regularly
 
Eating Well

Pregnant women need more protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid than they did before. Following a few guidelines helps ensure you and your baby both get what you need.

  • Eat foods from all the food groups every day (grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein).
  • Get enough folic acid (a vitamin which helps your baby’s brain and spine). Also called folate, it is found in cereals, fruits, and vegetables or as a pill.
  • Take a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement if recommended by your doctor.
  • Limit caffeine in your diet. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.

To learn more follow the guidelines found on MyPlate.

 
Exercise

Most women can benefit from some exercise during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor to see how much exercise is right for YOU during your pregnancy.

Walking and swimming are good choices. Aim for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. 
Avoid activities that require good balance such as bike riding and skating.

 
Things To Avoid

Some things may be harmful to your unborn baby. Do not:

  • Smoke or breathe other’s smoke
  • Drink alcohol
  • Take any drug until you talk with your doctor
  • Eat fish high in mercury (shark, swordfish, King Mackerel, tilefish)
 
Breastfeeding

There are many benefits of breastfeeding, but it isn’t always easy. Don’t give up. Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble. Keep in mind that breast milk:

  • Protects your baby against some illnesses
  • Is free and always ready with no bottles to heat up or wash
 
Important Covid-19 Information for New and Expectant Mothers
Medical
Seeing Your Doctor

You will need to see your doctor throughout pregnancy.

It is best to see your doctor as soon as you think you may be pregnant and then more frequently as the pregnancy progresses. Once your baby is born, you need one last doctor visit about six weeks later.

 
Medical
Additional Resources

L.A. Care Health Plan offers free health education materials and services on a variety of health topics to members. 

Ask your doctor about these resources or call L.A. Care Health Plan at 1-888-839-9909.

Phone
Unsure Of What To Do?

Call L.A. Care’s Nurse Advice Line at 
1-800-249-3619 available 24 hours,
7 days a week!

Nurse

Links to Visit

Text4Baby.org
MyPlate.gov