Expecting a Baby? Check Out Our Maternity Checklist

Preparing for the arrival of a little one? Congratulations! You probably have a lot on your mind — and your to-do list. Choosing baby names and setting up a nursery are likely two of them. But there are other things to remember so you can make the most of your maternity coverage benefits.

We've put together a handy checklist to help guide you through your pregnancy:

First Trimester
□    Make a prenatal appointment with your OB/GYN
□    Start taking a daily prenatal vitamin
□    Talk with your doctor to make sure any medicine you take is safe for your baby
□    Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
□    Lower your caffeine intake
□    Avoid unsafe foods
□    Limit your activities to those that are pregnancy-safe
□    Learn to spot warning signs  that could mean there's a problem
□    Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day
□    Follow your baby’s development with prenatal care
□    Choose an in-network doctor for your baby. Here's how.
□    Watch your weight to make sure you don’t gain too much or too little

You should also become familiar with the health insurance benefits you’ll use during pregnancy. To find out what your health plan covers, log in to Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM) to review your benefits. If you still have questions about your coverage, call the customer service number on your member ID card.

Second Trimester
□    Join a prenatal exercise class
□    Look into child-birthing classes
□    Have your teeth cleaned to prevent pregnancy gingivitis caused by hormones
□    Stretch often
□    Keep tracking your weight
□    Go to all your prenatal visits
□    Log in to BAM to find an in-network location to deliver your baby

Third Trimester
□    Start sleeping on your side
□    Wrap up your prenatal visits
□    Create a safe nursery
□    Search for childcare and map out a parenting plan with your partner
□    Choose your baby’s formula or prepare for breastfeeding
□    Take birthing classes
□    Make a birth plan
□    Watch for late pregnancy complications
□    Install a car seat according to seat guidelines

A healthy pregnancy is important and we’re here to help. If you have any questions, log in to Blue Access for Members to review your benefits. If you still have questions about your coverage, call the customer service number on your member ID card.

* This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are under the care of a doctor and receive advice contrary to the information contained on this website, follow the doctor's advice. See your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms or health problems.

Source: Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy,  Mayo Clinic, 2023; Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Never Ignore,  Baby Center, 2024; Pregnancy Complications to Watch Out For,  Baby Center, 2023

Originally published 12/1/2020; Revised 2023, 2025