Women's health

You should start planning for a pregnancy even before you’re expecting. Planning ahead can lessen the chances of birth defects and other pregnancy-related problems, and increase the chances of you having a healthy pregnancy and delivery. 

As a Tufts Health Plan member, you can get a checkup with your PCP or OB/GYN once a year. During your appointment, your PCP or OB/GYN may:
 

• Ask about your family and medical history
• Check for tuberculosis, HIV, rubella and sexually transmitted infections
• Ask about immunizations
• Do a Pap test 
• Ask about domestic violence
• Ask about alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Give you ideas about how to improve your health and safety, like using seat belts, getting exercise, quitting smoking and improving your diet
• Talk with you about the importance of taking folic acid daily before you become pregnant 
• Talk with you about prenatal vitamins
• Check carrier screening tests to see if there is a risk of you and/or your partner passing on inherited (genetic) conditions on to a baby. Ask your provider for more information.

Let us know when you’re pregnant so that we can help you take advantage of special benefits for members who are pregnant or who have recently had a baby. As a Tufts Health Together member, you get many covered benefits while you're pregnant, such as a free breast pump, breastfeeding, maternity care and midwife services.
 

If you haven't already, you need to choose the provider who will deliver your baby. Choose this provider as soon as possible so that he or she can take care of you and your baby during your pregnancy. You can find a provider online or call us at 888-257-1985 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we can help you find a provider.
 

After you choose your pregnancy care provider, make sure to keep all of your scheduled appointments, even if you feel fine. Your provider can monitor your and your baby’s progress, address pregnancy-related health issues and answer any questions you have.

Genetic Carrier Screening are tests for parents that check for specific genetic conditions that parents may pass to their child. Carriers may be healthy and have no symptoms but carry a gene for certain genetic disorders (like Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Disease, Tay-Sachs and others). If these tests are not done before pregnancy, they can be done after you are pregnant. Talk to your provider for more information on genetic carrier screening tests.

A different kind of genetic screening is Prenatal Genetic Screening. These are tests are done during your pregnancy and can provide information to see if your baby may be at risk for certain genetic disorders or conditions. Talk to your provider for more information about prenatal genetic screening options.

Important tips during pregnancy

Here are some of the things you can do to help keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy:

• Eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables 
• Avoid potentially harmful foods, like undercooked meat and unpasteurized dairy products
• Drink lots of fluids
• Avoid alcohol and soda, and cut down on caffeine
• Take steps to reduce your stress. Talk with your provider if you need help managing stress.

To learn more about having a healthy pregnancy, see our Online Health Guide.

Prenatal WIC Visit

You can get a $25 gift card after your second visit to a Women, Infants & Children (WIC) office during your pregnancy.

How to get your $25 gift card:

• Print an EXTRAS Reward Form
• Visit your WIC office
• Keep a copy of the form for yourself
• Mail the completed form to:    

Tufts Health Plan
Attn: Claims Department
1 Wellness Way
Canton, MA 02021-1166

Please note:

• You must be a Tufts Health Together member when you visit WIC and when we process your order.
• You should get your gift card in six to eight weeks.

Rewards for Pregnant and Newly Delivered Members

If you are having or just had a baby, you can get:

• A pregnancy calendar to help you keep track of your child’s development and remind you to make appointments with your doctor
• A $25 gift card for seeing your OB/GYN, primary care provider (PCP) or other pregnancy care provider for a checkup 21 to 56 days after delivery
• A breast pump (one per lifetime)

How to get your $25 gift card:

• Print an EXTRAS Reward Form
• Make sure you have an appointment with your PCP, OB/GYN or other pregnancy care provider between 21 and 56 days after having your baby
• Keep a copy of the form for yourself
• Mail the completed form to: 

Tufts Health Plan
Attn: Claims Department
P.O. Box 524
Canton, MA 02021-1166

Please note:

• You must be a Tufts Health Together member at the time of the visit and when we process your order.
• You should get your gift card in six to eight weeks. 

How to get a breast pump

Call us at 888-257-1985 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get a breast pump after your 28th week of pregnancy or after you have your baby. 

Remember to make an after-delivery (postpartum) appointment as soon after giving birth as possible. The days and weeks after birth are important ones for you and your baby.

Postpartum care

At a postpartum visit, your PCP and/or OB/GYN can give you advice to help you feel better after delivery and more confident about caring for your new baby. Your provider(s) may suggest that you:

• Get lots of rest and be flexible with your sleeping and eating routines while you and your baby adjust
• Ease your body's soreness and discomfort with medications and cold/warm compresses
• Pay attention to your emotional health and learn the signs of postpartum depression
• Make sure your baby gets all recommended immunizations before his or her second birthday

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding can be good for both you and your baby because it may:

• Help you bond with your baby
• Boost the baby’s immune system
• Reduce the baby’s risk of dental decay, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), allergies, serious diarrhea and ear and respiratory infections
• Save you as much as $100 per month in formula costs
• Reduce your risk of breast cancer

How long should I wait between pregnancies?

The time between pregnancies is called “pregnancy spacing”. Choosing when to have another baby is a personal decision but waiting at least 18 months gives you enough time to fully recover from one pregnancy before becoming pregnant again. Pregnancies spaced less than 12 months apart are higher risk to the mother and the baby. Between pregnancies, you should continue with your regular health care and talk to your PCP.

MassHealth now provides the doula benefit! 

Click on MassHealth to find a doula service provider. Below is information on the valuable care a doula can provide.

A doula is a professionally trained person who can give you non-medical* support before, during and after you deliver. Through a blend of in person and virtual visits, a doula will get to know you and your desires, and can:

• Share info about pregnancy, labor and birth
• Answer your questions
• Advocate for you and help you get the services you need
• Help you have a memorable birth experience
• Coach you through caring for a baby and caring for multiple kids
• Offer breast/chestfeeding tips, and more!

*A doula does not take the place of your provider.