Third Trimester of Pregnancy
(Weeks 27-40)
This is the final part of your pregnancy. You may be anxious to meet your baby and hope that he or she will come early, but each week of this final stage is very important for his or her development.
For you, the discomforts that started in the second trimester will likely continue, along with some new ones.
The typical, full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks. It is possible that you can go past your due date by a week or two (41 or 42 weeks).
It is essential that you stay on track with your prenatal visits to ensure you and your baby are healthy and avoid any risks. We are here to help schedule your prenatal visits and set up rides at no cost to your appointments.
Click here to view an infographic about how the body changes during pregnancy from the American College of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth plan.
- Learn more about the different delivery options (Vaginal Birth, Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC), Cesarean Births). You can also sign up for our prenatal classes for more information!
- It is never too early to start preparing for the 4th trimester. Schedule your postpartum visit within the first 84 days after giving birth to avoid any risks and ensure overall well-being.
- Get your baby Medicaid or CHIP coverage before delivery. Call 2-1-1 or call us if you need help with your application.
- Create a plan of action with your doctor for contraception or a tubal ligation procedure after birth.
- Attend prenatal visits every two weeks, then weekly after you reach 36 weeks.
- Get your Group B Strep test.
- 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.
- If you need to confirm your delivery hospital is in-network, call Member Services. (The Member Services phone number can also be found on the back of your Member ID card.)
- Finalize your birth plan and delivery option with your doctor.
- Click here to learn more about the different delivery options (vaginal birth, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), cesarean birth).
- Have a family planning conversation with your provider about whether you’re planning to use contraception or have a tubal ligation procedure after delivery. (Note: Choosing to do a tubal ligation procedure after birth may affect which hospital you deliver.)
- Download this form and fill it out with your doctor at least 30 days before you give birth.
- Click here to learn more about birth control methods and tubal ligation.
- Schedule your postpartum visit ahead of time. (You should go 7-48 days after delivery.)
- CHIP Perinatal (CHIP-P) moms: Add your baby to your health coverage within 30 days of birth.
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.
