First Trimester of Pregnancy
(Weeks 1-12)
The first trimester is the earliest phase of pregnancy. It begins on the first day of your last period and lasts until the end of the 12th week of your pregnancy. This means that by the time you find out you are pregnant, you might already be five or six weeks pregnant.
A lot happens during the first three months of pregnancy. It’s a time of great anticipation and of rapid changes for both you and your baby. Click here to view an infographic about how the body changes during pregnancy from the American College of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
It is best to make your first prenatal appointment as soon as you find out that you are pregnant, ideally in your first trimester or within 42 days of joining the Health Plan.
Getting prenatal care early can help prevent or manage any health risks such as blood pressure issues, bleeding, or low birth weight. It sets the stage for the overall well-being of both mom and baby.
We are here to help!
- Find a provider near you.
- Schedule your prenatal visits.
- Set up rides at no cost to your appointments.
- Schedule your first prenatal visit (ideally before week 12).
- Make sure your doctor screens you for syphilis. Syphilis can pass to your baby during pregnancy, causing congenital syphilis (CS). CS can cause serious problems, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or health problems for your baby. Click here to learn more.
- Bring a list of the prescribed and over-the-counter medications you currently take to your first prenatal appointment.
- Talk to your provider about taking prenatal vitamins. Click here for a list of covered prescriptions.
- If you need to confirm that the hospital where you plan to deliver is in-network or to make sure that your OB/GYN or midwife has rights to deliver at that hospital, call Member Services. (The Member Services phone number can be found on the back of your Member ID card.)
- Apply for WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
- Sign up for our FREE Basic Baby Care and Birth Classes through our Healthy Rewards Program.
- Make sure you’ve updated your contact information and have submitted all required documents for your pregnancy coverage to Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). If you have any questions, call 2-1-1.
- Review your pregnancy benefits.
What’s covered under my plan?
Pregnant members are covered under STAR or CHIP Perinatal (CHIP-P) plans. Each plan is different, but most cover prenatal visits at no cost, prescriptions, lab work and screenings, and more.
Caring for our Pregnant Members
Our exclusive Case Management program offers help to pregnant members throughout their pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Our dedicated case managers work with you, your doctor(s) and medical staff to ensure that you receive the best possible care at each step of your pregnancy and recovery.
Our Case Management program offers important services and resources such as:
- Help with finding an in-network provider.
- Creating short- and long-term goals for a healthy pregnancy.
- Helping new moms focus on a self-care plan. This includes when, where and how to get medical care during their pregnancy.
- Much more!
To speak to a case manager, please call 1-800-990-8247.
Are you pregnant with your first baby? With Nurse-Family Partnership, you will receive the support of a personal nurse at no cost to give you the help and advice you need during your pregnancy and after your baby arrives.
Enroll today by filling out the form below or call 832-828-1274. You must be a first-time mom that is pregnant 28 weeks or less. Restrictions and limitations may apply.
Get rewarded for a healthy pregnancy
Our Healthy Rewards Program offers exciting rewards and benefits for you and your family to enjoy as we help you plan for a healthy future, including:
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- Basic Baby Care and Birth Classes
- Blood Pressure Monitor (CHIP Perinate only)
- Fitness Center Membership Fee Assistance (STAR 21+ only)
- Flu Prevention Reward (CHIP and STAR only)
- Dental Services (STAR 21+ only)
- Portable Crib/Playpen
- Prenatal and Postpartum Visit Rewards
*Restrictions and limitations may apply and vary by plan, including but not limited to age, gender and covered benefits by program. Extra benefits valid during the eligible year (September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027). Full disclaimer information can be found at https://bit.ly/3RA3EEH
Need Help Applying for Chip and/or Medicaid?
Our Application Assistance specialists are ready to help you with the application process.
