Parental Health
Parental Health
Caring for Yourself
After you give birth, you may find yourself spending all your time and energy caring for your baby and making sure they are fed, changed, sleeping, and happy. It can be easy to forget about your own needs. But it is just as important to look after yourself and get help if you need it.
Chronic Disease
Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity may increase risks during pregnancy, but it's possible to manage them with lifestyle changes and regular checkups.
Risk Factors & Chronic Disease
Learn about specific health challenges pregnant people face.
Nutrition Tips for Women
During pregnancy, you need a balanced diet to provide enough nutrients to sustain you and your baby.
Maternal Health
Risk Factors & Chronic Disease
Learn about the specific health challenges pregnant people face before, during, and after giving birth.
Maternal Mental Health
Postpartum depression and substance use can affect mothers, infants, and families in different ways.
Family Connects Chicago
Get a free in-home nurse visit for new moms, infants, and your family.
Black Maternal Health
Black mothers have been found to face barriers to equitable maternal care.
Stress & Trauma
Stress is a common feeling during pregnancy, but it can cause serious health problems. Learn tools for managing stress and trauma.
Free Mental Health Care
CDPH facilitates no-cost support for emotional, traumatic, or behavioral difficulties at six community mental health centers.
Search Mental Health Resources
Chicago Connects is a tool to help find behavioral health and social service resources in Chicago.
Navigating Health Benefits
Contraception & Family Planning
Low-cost/free contraception and family planning benefits are available to Chicago families.
Transit Benefits
People covered by Medicaid may be eligible for free rides to healthcare appointments.
Maternal Healthcare & Insurance
Health resources are available for all Chicago families, regardless of your ability to pay.
Medicaid Redetermination
Access Medicaid, learn about your maternal benefits, and check your redetermination due date.
Managed Care Programs
Enroll in a Managed Care plan; read about your maternity benefits; and get help finding a provider and managing your health.
Private Insurance
Maternity coverage is required under all health insurance plans, but your costs vary depending on your insurer. Work with your insurance company and doctor to understand your maternal healthcare benefits.
Tricare
TRICARE covers all medically-necessary pregnancy care for enrolled military families.
Advocating for Yourself or a Loved One
Planning for Delivery
The who, what, when, where, and how to ensure a smooth pregnancy and birth.
Developing a Postpartum Plan
Set up a support system and learn about conditions that may affect mothers after giving birth.
Researching Providers
Find a care team that meets the needs of your growing family.
Exploring Second Opinions
You have the right to consult with other medical professionals about your pregnancy, diagnoses, and lab results.
Understanding Your Lab Results
Certain tests are part of routine care during pregnancy. Here’s what to expect at all stages of your pregnancy.
Substance Use
Alcohol
Learn about the specific health challenges pregnant people face before, during, and after giving birth.
Smoking
The CDC warns that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of many health problems, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Opioids
Both prescription and non-prescription opioids can cause serious problems for your baby during pregnancy.