Prenatal Care Guidance

What is the Prenatal Care Guidance Program?

The Prenatal Care Guidance Program helps pregnant women with limited income obtain early and regular prenatal care. Women who begin prenatal care during the first 3 months of pregnancy, and continue with regular prenatal care during their pregnancy, have healthier babies, are less likely to deliver prematurely, and are less likely to have other serious health problems related to their pregnancy.

The Prenatal Care Guidance Nurse provides pregnant women with a list of prenatal care providers that the pregnant woman can call to find which providers are taking patients at that time. The Prenatal Care Guidance Nurse  directs individuals to an  Eligibility Worker who  helps women determine if they are eligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California : 

• Prenatal care, including doctor visits and hospital bills

• Special tests as needed

• Medical care for baby

Other services available through the Prenatal Care Guidance program include:

• Finding a doctor for prenatal care and for baby's care
• Health and nutrition education 
• Assistance with food, transportation, and housing
• Finding other social support and medical care
• Getting connected to programs for pregnant teens

Who is eligible for the Prenatal Care Guidance program?

Women who have limited income and qualify for Medi-Cal are eligible for the Perinatal Care Guidance program. There are no fees charged for these services.

How do I find out more about the Prenatal Care Guidance program?

For more information, call 530-225-5850 or call toll-free at 1-800-300-5122.

How can I improve my chances of having a healthy pregnancy?

The following recommendations can help promote a healthy pregnancy:

• Call your health care provider to find out when you should come in for your first prenatal appointment.
• Go to all your medical/prenatal care appointments, even if you are feeling fine.
• Get regular dental care/checkups before and during your pregnancy.
• Avoid use of any alcohol, tobacco and/or other drugs.
• Eat a healthy diet that contains fruit, vegetables, meats, whole grains and dairy products.
• Exercise daily.

Take at least 400 micrograms of Folic Acid before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects in your baby’s brain and spine.

Related Links

• If your insurance does not cover birth control, pregnancy testing or family planning, you may be qualified for Family PACT. Family PACT provides no-cost family planning services to low income women and men, including teens.
• Pregnancy and newborn
• Preconception health and health care
• Pregnancy
• Maternal depression
• Medi-Cal
• Food and financial help

Help Me Grow Shasta- Free Information and Helpful Referrals for the Young Children in Your life.

www.helpmegrowshasta.com

Help Me Grow Shasta- Home visiting: Get connected to a parent champion to answer your questions, provide guidance, and link you to resources to help you meet your family goals. They serve pregnant women and parenting families for free. Connect with Help Me Grow to get linked to the program you qualify for and that meets your needs.

www.helpmegrowshasta.com/home-visiting/

updated: 10/04/2024