An Official Pennsylvania Government Website
Translate
Begin Main Content Area

Pregnancy

Healthy pregnancies are essential for the well-being of mothers, infants, families and communities. Although pregnancy is an exciting time, there are stresses and risks that come with pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Maternal deaths in the United States are increasing. Approximately 700 women in the United States die every year as a result of a pregnancy or pregnancy-related complication. According to the CDC, from 2011-2015 more than one-third of pregnancy related deaths were caused by cardiovascular conditions, such as cardiomyopathy. Additionally, mental health conditions and accidental poisonings due to substance use also contribute to the number of pregnancy related deaths.   

Disparities in Maternal Health

In both the United States and Pennsylvania, there are racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health and maternal mortality. In Pennsylvania specifically, African American women are three times more likely to die during or after pregnancy than white women. The gap between health outcomes for African American and white women is evidence that there is more work to be done to understand, reduce, and prevent pregnancy related deaths. To ensure that all women in Pennsylvania have healthy pregnancies, Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have made maternal and child health a priority.

Information for Pregnant & Postpartum Women

One way to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to know about potential complications and ways to manage any problems that come up during and after pregnancy. The resources below have information on risk factors, warning signs, and ways to protect yourself and your baby. Once you know you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to begin your prenatal care.

Expand AllClick here for a more accessible version

​Maternal Health

There are health conditions that can affect women during and after pregnancy. Being aware of common conditions like high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions helps to ensure healthy outcomes for women and newborns. 

​Maternal Mental Health

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are very common during and after pregnancy. Hormonal changes and the stress of pregnancy may trigger symptoms of mental health conditions like postpartum depression.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free and confidential support. 

Substance Use & Pregnancy

Substance use during and after pregnancy can affect the health of both women and newborns. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to find a drug and/or alcohol treatment provider or funding for addiction treatment.

Helpful Phone Numbers

Resources are available to help women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Learn more about available resources

  • United Way: 2-1-1 to find local services and assistance with health, housing, and human services.  
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453) a 24-hour crisis hotline to offer support, information and referrals on coping with a crying baby and preventing child abuse. 
  • PA Free Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) for information on smoking cessation services available to Pennsylvania residents.
  • PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to find a drug and/or alcohol treatment provider or funding for addiction treatment.
  • PA Healthy Baby Line: 1-800-986-BABY (2229) for information on finding a doctor, getting healthcare coverage, immunizations, tests for baby, breastfeeding.
  • PA Department of Health: 1-877-724-3258 for information on a variety of adult, child and newborn health issues.     
  • PA WIC: 1-800-WIC-WINS (942-9467) for information and to apply for WIC, which provides nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals, and healthy foods.

Maternity Care Coverage

Healthy pregnancies are essential for mothers and infants. Get answers to questions about health insurance coverage during pregnancy.

Learn more about maternity care coverage
  • Do I qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), and what is covered under it?
    For pregnant women, MA coverage can begin as soon as your doctor or nurse lets you know you are pregnant. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website for more information on coverage eligibility and applications. Phone: 1-866-550-4355
     
  • I have individual, small group employer or large group employer coverage. How do I know what is covered under my plan?
    Call the number on your insurance card to talk to a representative and learn more about your plan. If you have insurance-related questions or need help resolving an issue with your insurer, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's Consumer Service Bureau can assist you. Phone: 1-877-881-6388
     
  • I have an employer self-insured coverage. How do I know what is covered under my plan?
    Call the number on your insurance card to talk to a representative and learn more about your plan. If you have insurance-related questions or need help resolving an issue, the United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration can assist you. Phone: 1-866-275-7922

  • I am a veteran. How do I get coverage from Veterans Affairs (VA) and what is covered?
    The VA covers pregnancy care through the Women Veterans Health Care program. VA will pay for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care for eligible women veterans, as well as care to newborns for the first seven days after birth for all eligible women veterans. Additional coverage outside of pregnancy is also available for eligible women veterans. Phone: 1-855-VAWOMEN
     
  • How does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impact my coverage?
    • Under the ACA, pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition.
    • The ACA allows young adult, up to age 26 to stay on a parent's health insurance plan, regardless of whether they live away from home, are out of school or are married.           
    • Marketplace coverage is available through the exchange. During ACA's open enrollment period, an individual can sign up for a plan through the exchange. 2021 open enrollment starts on November 1 and ends December 15. If you want coverage to start on January 1, you must sign up by December 15.
    • Having a baby qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). After you have your baby you can enroll in Marketplace coverage outside of the open enrollment time period.  To find a local agent, visit localhelp.HealthCare.gov or you can contact Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers for navigator assistance at 866-944-2273.
    • To learn more about the ACA and how it affects your coverage during pregnancy visit HealthCare.gov
  • More resources and information on coverage can be found through the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance.


Licensed Hospitals with an Obstetric Unit and Birth Centers in Pennsylvania

​The facilities included in this map are general acute care hospitals with an obstetric unit and licensed birth centers identified through the Department of Health's Bureau of Licensure and Certification and the 2018 Annual Hospital Questionnaire. Also included are specialty and federal hospitals with more than 5 live births in 2018, as identified in the Annual Hospital Questionnaire. If you represent a facility and believe there is an error in this information, or believe your facility should be added to this map, please contact RA-DHMMRC@pa.gov.