Support Throughout Your Pregnancy – and Beyond

Whether you're expecting a baby or adjusting to life with a newborn, Parkland Community Health Plan is here to help. From prenatal care and postpartum support to resources for your baby, we're here for you at every stage of your journey.

A Healthy Pregnancy Starts With Prenatal Care

pregnant woman at doctor

Regular prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. During prenatal visits, the doctor will check your baby’s growth, look for potential complications, and answer your questions about pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Even if you’ve had a baby before, it’s still important to see a doctor for each pregnancy. Your body may react differently from one pregnancy to the next – for example, you may have complications or conditions you didn’t have with previous pregnancies.

How to Get Started

  1. Find an OB/GYN or women's health provider as early in your pregnancy as possible.
  2. Request a free ride to your appointments if needed (STAR members only).
  3. Learn about extra services and rewards you can earn during your pregnancy – like a free car seat and gift cards for completing prenatal visits.
Learn More About Pregnancy

Explore these articles to help you know what to expect before your baby arrives:

What to Do After Your Baby Arrives

The weeks after delivery are an important time for you and your newborn. Here are a few things you can do to help yourself recover:

  1. Learn about your extra Medicaid or CHIP coverage, which includes doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health support, and more for 12 months after your pregnancy ends.
  2. Schedule your postpartum checkup to make sure you’re healing after delivery.
  3. If you are planning to breastfeed your baby, order a free breast pump with a prescription from your provider.
  4. Sign up for your postpartum meal benefit.
  5. Watch for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, and ask for help if you need it.
  6. Learn about your postpartum rewards and extra services – like a gift card and portable play yard with bassinet for completing your postpartum checkup.

Learn More About Postpartum Care

Explore these articles to help you navigate life after pregnancy:

Caring for Your Baby

Your baby's first year is full of important milestones. Regular checkups and healthy habits will help give your child the best start in life.

Make Your Baby's Health and Safety a Priority

  1. Choose a pediatrician for your baby as soon as possible.
  2. Schedule regular well-child visits and earn rewards.
  3. Get breastfeeding support if you need it.
  4. Stay up to date on your child’s recommended vaccines.
  5. Keep track of feeding, sleeping, and developmental milestones.
  6. Practice safe sleeping habits.
  7. Learn about car seat safety.

Keep Your STAR or CHIP Coverage After Pregnancy

You may be able to keep your STAR or CHIP coverage for up to 12 months after your pregnancy ends. That means you may continue to have access to benefits. Your coverage will extend automatically unless HHSC needs additional information from you.

Additional Resources

Findhelp

Findhelp is a social service organization that directly connects people to local programs and organizations offering assistance. The online directory is free, easy to use, and private – there’s no need to log in or sign up first.

Use Findhelp to get assistance with:

  • Food
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Healthcare
  • Baby supplies
  • Childcare
  • Workplace training
  • Education
  • Legal issues and more!

To find available resources near you, visit findhelp.parklandhealthplan.com

Texas WIC

WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant, breastfeeding women and families with children younger than 5.

Visit their website for more information.

Mental Health Support

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or need help with severe anxiety or depression, call 9-8-8 right away. You’ll be connected to a trained counselor who can help you get the support you need.

Unfortunately, being pregnant does not stop many women from being abused. The abuse may be physical (hitting, kicking) or emotional (yelling, insulting) – either way, it can be dangerous for both mom and baby. If you’re being abused, please talk to your doctor, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

PCHP offers services that can help members with mental health or substance use conditions. We can help connect you to a therapy provider if you do not have one. Please call 1-888-672-2277 (STAR Medicaid) or 1-888-814-2352 (CHIP) to speak to our staff about your behavioral health needs. If you are having a mental health crisis, please call our Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-844-603-1134 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Renewing Your Coverage

As a STAR or CHIP member, you must renew your benefits every year to keep your coverage active. If you don’t renew on time, your coverage may end and you’ll have to reapply. Learn more here.