Pregnancy is a big life change, whether you expected it or not and whether you decide to keep the baby or not. Here are five pregnancy resources you should take advantage of.
1. Financial Aid
Pregnancy and raising children can be expensive, but there are financial services available to help you build a budget or to help you pay for certain expenses. You may be able to access programs at various government levels, as well as other types of charities, nonprofit organizations and community organizations. At the government level, there is pregnancy Medicaid, the WIC (women, infants and children) program and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP. Depending on your needs, you may also be able to access financial assistance for housing and certain bill payments.
2. Counseling Services
Pregnancy can be unexpected, and even when you plan for it, you may not feel ready. There are many counseling services available for all kinds of concerns and questions. For example, if you live near Chicago and are unsure whether you want to get an abortion or not, or if you simply want to understand all of your options regarding your pregnancy, you may seek out abortion education Illinois. On the other hand, if you do want to keep the baby, you’ll have access to parenting and couples’ counseling and other mental health aids.
3. Birthing and Parenting Classes
There are other types of education programs available to you if you decide to go through with your pregnancy. You can access various birthing and parenting classes, depending on your needs and interests. Teenaged parents can access programs such as Early Head Start (EHS) and all people who are pregnant, along with partners, can access classes on giving birth, breastfeeding and keeping newborns safe and healthy.
4. Healthcare
When you’re pregnant, you should continue to see your regular doctor as you normally would. You should also access various pregnancy-specific healthcare and see any other necessary specialists as needed. Most people who are pregnant will see an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), but you also have the option to see midwives. Work with your doctor or midwife to develop a plan regarding your pregnancy and labor. Check what aspects will be covered by your insurance and decide where you want your doctor to deliver your baby. You should also discuss any medications you need to take or any conditions you have so you can modify and monitor them during your pregnancy.
5. Nutrition and Lifestyle Information
People who are pregnant need to make healthy lifestyle decisions for themselves and their babies. Talk with your doctor or a licensed nutritionist or dietitian about how you need to eat and exercise so that you and your baby stay healthy and safe. Make sure you’re aware of what activities and foods you need to avoid and what things you should modify in order to do safely.
These are only some of the resources available for people who are pregnant to take advantage of. The resources you utilize will depend on your needs. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, for example, you’ll need to access more healthcare services more frequently.
