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Frequently asked questions for Hennepin Health SNBC plan members who joined April 1, 2025.

Prenatal Care

Related information

About prenatal care

Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant. Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. Getting prenatal care helps decrease risks during pregnancy and increases the chance of a safe and healthy delivery. It lowers the risk of your baby being born too early, which can lead to health problems for your baby.

Your insurance coverage

To ensure you are on the best health plan for your situation, call Hennepin County Human Services at 612-596-1300 as soon as you learn you are pregnant (to make sure you have access to pregnancy-specific benefits) and after you have your baby (to make sure your baby is covered under your health plan).

Get a ride to health appointments

It’s important to go to all of your prenatal care appointments. If you don’t have a ride, you may be eligible to get free transportation. Contact Hennepin Health Member Services at 612-596-1036, TTY 711.

Doctor, nurse midwife, and doula visits

Regular doctor, nurse midwife, or doula visits during pregnancy help you and your baby stay healthy. During prenatal visits, you are checked to make sure you and your growing baby are well. 

You will need regular prenatal checkups during your pregnancy. Schedule a doctor visit as soon as you think you are pregnant. Your doctor will guide your prenatal checkup schedule and explain what you can expect at each appointment.

Talk with your doctor about:

  • Prenatal vitamins and healthy eating
  • Exercise and healthy weight gain
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Your current health conditions and medications
  • Your personal and family health history (if known)
  • Important medical tests
  • Any immunizations you should get

Family Home Visiting program

Hennepin County’s Family Home Visiting program offers free home-based services to eligible county residents. Public health nurses and other professionals visit families at their homes or community spaces to provide emotional, social, health, and parenting support and to connect them with appropriate resources.  

Referrals are accepted from families, health professionals, organizations, and programs including health plans, nurses, physicians, social service providers, and WIC programs. Self-referrals are also accepted.

To participate, fill out the Family Home Visiting referral form.

Dental care and visits

Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are safe and recommended. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is an important part of your and your baby’s health. Your gums and teeth need special attention when you are pregnant. Regular brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly will help reduce dental problems.

Doula support

Doula pregnancy and birth services are a covered benefit for Hennepin Health members. A doula is a trained and experienced person who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to new and expecting parents. This support is given before and during childbirth to help parents have a healthy, satisfying experience. After birth, doulas can also provide emotional and practical support, nursing education, and child development information. Call Everyday Miracles at 612-353-6293 for more information or visit Everyday Miracles.

Pregnancy classes

Pregnancy classes are a covered benefit for Hennepin Health members. They are offered through clinics, hospitals, and other health agencies. Learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborns. For more information, talk to your doctor or contact Everyday Miracles or Amma Parenting.

Making a birth plan

A birth plan helps you decide what you want for your pregnancy, delivery, and after your baby’s birth. It can include:

  • Where you’d like to give birth — schedule a free tour at in-network hospitals or birthing centers to learn what to expect and ask questions
  • Who you want with you for support before, during, and after childbirth
  • How you want to manage pain during childbirth
  • Who you want to help you make important medical decisions during childbirth
  • Your plan to breastfeed after your baby is born

Pregnancy-related conditions

You and your doctor will monitor to see if you develop any of these conditions during your pregnancy and help you manage them.

  • Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia (toxemia) is a health problem some people develop after about 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is usually mild but can be dangerous for you or your baby. Many who have preeclampsia don’t feel sick. The main sign is high blood pressure. Regular prenatal visits are important, so your blood pressure can be checked. 

    At-home digital blood pressure cuffs are a covered benefit for pregnant Hennepin Health members. This easy-to-use equipment allows you to monitor your blood pressure at home. Ask your doctor or clinic to order one for you.
  • Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. All pregnant people need to get tested for gestational diabetes between 24-28 weeks. High-risk people may need to get tested earlier. You are at a higher risk if you:
    • Are overweight or have obesity
    • Have a family history of diabetes
    • Are over age 25
    • Are African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
    • Had gestational diabetes during an earlier pregnancy
    • Have had a baby weighing over 9 pounds
    • Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

    Reduce your risk for gestational diabetes by eating healthy and staying active during your pregnancy.

  • Prenatal or postpartum depression: Stress, hormone changes, pregnancy complications, and more can cause extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks during your pregnancy or after birth. Things you can do:      
    • Talk with your doctor, family, or friends
    • Connect with a parent support group
    • Try to sleep while your baby sleeps
    • Call the Redleaf Mother-Baby HopeLine at 612-873-4673. This a free mental health phone support service for pregnant women, mothers, fathers, and families. It is not a crisis line. A licensed therapist responds to calls within 24 hours and guides callers to support in their community.

Other health considerations

Eat healthy

  • Take a prenatal supplement every day. Ask your doctor which prenatal vitamin is right for you.
  • Get enough folic acid. Folic acid is found in foods like spinach and beef liver. It is also found in prenatal supplements. Learn more at the Healthwise Knowledgebase.
  • Learn more about food safety during pregnancy at Food Safety for Moms to Be | FDA
  • Limit drinks with caffeine and added sugars. Drink plain water instead.

Stay active

Staying active during pregnancy helps you feel better. It can even make your labor shorter and recovery faster. Being active may also help you avoid complications with your pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about physical activity that is right for you.

Learn more at:

Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs

When you smoke, vape, drink alcohol, or take drugs, so does your baby. Smoking while you’re pregnant can lead to serious health problems, such as early labor. Smoking around your child after birth can increase health problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. By choosing not to smoke or vape, you help your baby. Quit Partner can help. Sign up at Quit Partner - Free Help to Quit Your Way or call 888-354-7526, TTY 711.

No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy and not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. See breastfeeding special circumstances to learn more.

A baby is so small that any amount of drug in their system becomes an overdose. If you use drugs, stop completely while you're pregnant and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor for help quitting drugs, and if your prescription drugs are safe to continue taking while pregnant.

Resources

DHS approved 12/19/24; MC-1692-MC

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612-596-1036, TTY 711

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