Maternal Care Center
If you are pregnant and an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia Enrollee, sign up for Bright Start® by calling 1-877-759-6883. Watch this video to learn about the Bright Start program or visit our special health programs page. If you need assistance signing up or have other questions, call Enrollee Services at 202-408-4720 or toll free at 1-800-408-7511, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Tasha and her partner are ready to have a baby. Tasha tells her provider that she is going to try to become pregnant soon, so her doctor provides some recommendations for maintaining her health before pregnancy.
Talk to your primary care provider (PCP)
It’s a good idea to tell your PCP when you are planning to become pregnant. That way, you can discuss health conditions that may affect your pregnancy, whether your medications are safe to take while pregnant, and any necessary vaccines or screenings. Your PCP may also recommend that you begin taking a prenatal vitamin; prenatal vitamins typically contain more folic acid and iron than standard multivitamins, which support babies’ growth and development.
Drugs and alcohol
It’s important to stop smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs before becoming pregnant, as they can cause serious harm to your baby. Ask your PCP about programs and providers that can help you quit, or contact Bright Start.
Tasha finds out she is pregnant! She is very excited and also overwhelmed with everything she needs to do to prepare for the baby and take care of her health. Tasha signs up for Bright Start right away.
Sign up for Bright Start
You need the right care and support to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. That’s what our Bright Start maternity program is all about. Plus, you can earn rewards through the program!
Our Bright Start team is here to help you:
- Learn more about the care you need before and after your baby is born.
- Set up healthcare visits.
- Find healthcare providers, midwives, or doulas who are right for you and your baby.
- Connect to local resources.
- Learn more about our plan’s benefits and services.
The Bright Start guide (PDF) is filled with important information for people who are pregnant and new parents.
Don’t forget that as an AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollee, you can receive transportation to and from your medical appointments at no cost.
Prenatal visits
Schedule your first prenatal care visit as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Bright Start can help you find a prenatal care provider if you don’t have one. After your first appointment, the schedule below is generally recommended for prenatal visits.
| Recommended prenatal visit schedule | |
|---|---|
| 0 to 28 weeks | One visit every month |
| 28 to 36 weeks | One visit every two weeks |
| 36 weeks to birth | One visit every week |
Diet and exercise
A healthy diet can help you have a healthy pregnancy, so AmeriHealth Caritas DC offers home-delivered meals at no cost to enrollees who are pregnant and up until eight weeks after giving birth. Call Bright Start to sign up for this program.
Note: Benefits and services may be subject to change, coverage limitations, enrollee eligibility, and/or a determination of medical necessity.
In addition, exercise is important during pregnancy, so try to stay active. Before engaging in physical activity, however, talk to your provider about what types of exercise are safe while you are pregnant. Some options may include walking, swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga.
Tasha is doing well at home with her new baby and adjusting to life as a new mom. She realizes she could use some help getting additional baby supplies and establishing a breastfeeding routine, so she calls Bright Start.
Breastfeeding
If you plan to breastfeed your baby, find out if your provider’s office has a breastfeeding coach (also known as a lactation consultant) you can meet with. Also, you can always call Bright Start to get connected with breastfeeding and other postpartum resources, such as breast pumps, car seats, and diapers.
Safe Sleep
Our Safe Sleep program provides education to new parents about newborn sleeping safety. Classes are offered in English, Spanish, or Amharic. Enrollees will receive a Cribette (portable crib) at no cost upon completion of the course.
Postpartum visits
The time after you have your baby is called postpartum. Try to take it easy for the first few weeks after giving birth. You can get help from family and friends while caring for your baby.
Your baby should be seen by a healthcare provider three to five days after birth. The next healthcare check should be two to four weeks later. Before you leave the hospital, you should receive discharge instructions about healthcare for you and your baby.
Have you had your baby?
Important things to do before you leave the hospital:
- Enroll your baby in AmeriHealth Caritas DC. You can call us at 202-408-4720 or 1-800-408-7511, or contact your Bright Start Care Manager for help.
- Call District Direct at 202-727-5355 (TTY 711) to update your information. You can also go to the Department of Health Care Finance. Tell them about your new baby. This is very important. They will make sure you get the benefits and services your baby needs.
- Call Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) — the supplemental nutrition program — to let them know you had your baby and sign up for the program. WIC can also help with breastfeeding.
- Set up healthcare checks for your baby.
- Set up a visit with your provider for postpartum care. Bright Start is all about keeping you and your baby healthy. A Bright Start team member will contact you about two weeks after you have your baby to help make sure you have everything you need.
Visit our Postpartum Care page to learn more.
Get rewards for good health!
Earn $25 in rewards if you:
- Have a prenatal visit in your first trimester (before you are 13 weeks pregnant).
- Have a postpartum visit within one to 12 weeks (seven to 84 days) after delivery.
Visit our Healthy Rewards page for more information.
Family planning
Family planning services help you plan how many pregnancies you have and when those pregnancies occur. In addition, family planning services help you stay healthy between pregnancies. For more information about family planning (PDF), refer to the Bright Start welcome booklet (PDF).
Other resources
- View the Bright Start welcome booklet (PDF) and birth plan (PDF).
- View the Postpartum Passport (PDF).
- Find a doctor
Find a provider who can help you be a healthy and happy parent. - Behavioral health and substance use treatment resources
Find information about behavioral health and substance use. - Postpartum care
Find out how to enroll your baby and schedule important first healthcare visits. - Learn about your urgent care options (PDF).
- Sign up for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
- Learn about dental care and pregnancy.
- Learn about safe sleep.
- Learn more about postpartum depression (PDF).