Taking good care of mothers and babies
- Linda S. Haymes
- May 15, 2024
Bringing a child into the world is often met with both excitement and fear.
Is the baby healthy and developing at the right rate? What will labor and delivery be like? Will I be able to nurse my child? How will I cope with and adjust to the new demands of being a mom?
A state of concern
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield can help support you throughout your pregnancy, connect you to resources, and work with you and your healthcare providers to help you have a healthier pregnancy. This is especially important in Arkansas. Our state has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, according to data collected from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). Between 2018 and 2021, Arkansas had 43.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Arkansas also has the third-highest infant mortality rate in the country.
One-on-one care
In addition to working closely with our state and medical community to find solutions to improve these sobering statistics, we offer several programs to help expectant moms who are our members.
Our free Special Delivery prenatal-care program is an additional benefit to members regardless of their pregnancy risk status. It provides access to registered nurse case managers who work closely with expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. The program encourages expectant mothers to work closely with their OB/GYN and teaches about symptoms that may signal preterm labor. You can enroll for Special Delivery through our Blueprint Portal or call the customer service number on the back of your health plan ID card.
The virtual program Maven is available to many of our members and supplements your doctor’s guidance with immediate help from experts, including doctors, nutritionists and mental health professionals, all form your smart phone or other devices. You can learn more about Maven in this article.
Whole-person health
In addition to your physical health, we also care for your mental and behavioral health. Especially after your baby arrives, when moms are at risk of postpartum depression. If you feel something isn’t right mentally or physically, during or after your pregnancy, talk with your OB/GYN, primary care doctor, or a Special Delivery nurse case manager.
Call the number on the back of you insurance card or sign in to Blueprint Portal to access maternity programs and benefits available on your health plan.
Working together we can take good care of you and your baby.
Prenatal care checkpoints
Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy
Visit your doctor once a month for routine care.
Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy
Have checkups twice a month with doctor assessing your weight, blood pressure, baby’s heartbeat and growth, and providing any relevant vaccinations, such as Tdap.
Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy
Visit your doctor every week.
If you have complications during pregnancy, your doctor may want to see you more often.