Pregnancy Care & Reproductive Health
Beginning Right® Maternity Program
- Educational materials (available in English and Spanish) on prenatal care, labor and delivery, newborn care and more
- A pregnancy risk survey to help determine whether a risk for certain complications exists
- A preterm labor program to support high-risk women
- Access to specially trained nurses for high-risk mothers-to-be
- One-on-one counseling to help pregnant women quit smoking
Get help from the time you start planning a family, through your pregnancy and well after your baby is born. Once you’ve enrolled in our Beginning Right® Maternity Program, you can receive:
Free text messages to keep you and your baby healthy
Text4baby is a free service that sends you three text messages a week throughout your pregnancy and your baby's first year.
The messages include expert health and safety tips on prenatal care, nutrition, safe infant sleep and more. You can cancel the service whenever you wish.
Aetna has been an outreach partner of Text4baby since 2010. Hundreds of thousands of moms and moms-to-be have used Text4baby.
To get started, text BABY (or BEBE for Spanish messages) to 511411.
The facts about breastfeeding
Deciding whether or not to breastfeed is a very personal choice. Below are a few research-based facts about the importance of breast milk that may help inform your choice:
Breastfeeding benefits for baby:
- Helps the baby’s immune system mature. This protects the baby from infections and increases the effectiveness of immunizations.
- Gives babies greater emotional security and enhances bonding with mom.
- The benefits appear to last even after the baby has stopped breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding benefits for mom:
- Increases the rate of weight loss in most nursing mothers.
- Women report benefits such as increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of connection with their babies.
- Combined with getting milk with a breast pump, breastfeeding costs far less than baby formula.
Breast pumps
Check your plan to see which of these providers is in network. You may be able to buy a breast pump and supplies from one of our suppliers at no charge or at a discounted rate. Covered items may include:
- A standard electric pump (non-hospital-grade) while you are pregnant or for the duration of breastfeeding, once every three years, or
- A manual breast pump while pregnant or for the duration of breastfeeding, if you have not received an electric or a manual breast pump in the last three years, and
- Another set of breast pump supplies if you get pregnant again before you are eligible for a new pump
Byram Healthcare (1-877-902-9726)
Edwards Health Care Services (1-888-344-3434)
Edgepark Medical Supplies (1-800-321-0591)
Genadyne Biotechnologies (Lucina Care) (1-888-809-9750)
Yummy Mummy (1-855-879-8669)
Sunmed (1-800-714-7434)
Sterling Medical (1-888-220-5010)
Lactation consultants
Many Aetna plans also cover up to six visits with a lactation consultant if you need support with breastfeeding. Your in-network ob/gyn or pediatrician may offer these services through his or her office.
Protecting your baby from harmful medication
Almost anything you eat, drink or apply to your body can affect your baby while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a scale that shows the risk of taking certain medicines during pregnancy. The ranking is included with all prescription drugs.
- Category A drugs have been tested for safety during pregnancy and have been found to be safe.
- Category B drugs have been used a lot during pregnancy and do not appear to cause major birth defects or other problems.
- Category C drugs are more likely to cause problems for the mother or fetus.
- Category D drugs have clear health risks for the fetus.
- Category X drugs have been shown to cause birth defects and should never be taken during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor for advice on the best ways to keep both you and your baby safe.
Copyright © 2001-2013 Aetna Inc.
1Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reproductive Health. http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/Infertility/index.htm. Accessed June 24, 2010.
Some plans are not subject to the women’s preventive breastfeeding services requirements under the Affordable Care Act (also known as the health care reform law). This includes plans that are grandfathered or otherwise exempt. These plans may not include all of these benefits. Or there may be different member cost-sharing on certain benefits. Consult your plan documents or call member services at the number on your member ID card if you are not sure if your plan covers these benefits. The changes for women’s preventive services go into effect when applicable plans become effective or renew on or after August 1, 2012. Employers with grandfathered plans may choose not to cover some of these preventive services or to include cost share (deductible, copay or coinsurance).
Health benefits and health insurance plans are offered, underwritten and/or administered by Aetna Health Inc., Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health Insurance Company of New York, Aetna Health Insurance Company and/or Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). In Florida, by Aetna Health Inc. and/or Aetna Life Insurance Company. In Maryland, by Aetna Health Inc., 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06156. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.
For general health information only. Information is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations. Not all services are covered. See plan documents for a complete description of benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to www.aetna.com.
1996-2014. Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. External website links provided on this site are meant for convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement. These external links open in a different window. The Aetna InteliHealth website subscribes to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation. "InteliHealth" and "The Trusted Source" are trademarks of Aetna Inc.
