By DR. LISA SAUL
Guest Columnist
Pregnancy comes with plenty of checklists. Appointments, registries, leave planning. It also comes with a lot of questions people don’t always talk about. Is this normal? Should I be worried? Who do I call when something just doesn’t feel right?
Between late‑night scrolling, advice from well‑meaning friends, and information overload online, it can be hard to know where to turn. What often gets overlooked is that your health plan may offer more support during pregnancy and after birth than you realize.
And having the right support can make a real difference in how this season feels, physically, emotionally and socially.
For much of history, pregnancy and recovery weren’t meant to be handled alone. In many cultures, new parents were surrounded by family and community – people who helped with meals, checked in emotionally, and made space for rest and healing. These traditions recognized that recovery takes time and that support plays a critical role in health.
Today, many parents are navigating pregnancy while juggling work, caregiving, and everyday life, often without that same built in village. It’s no surprise that this time can feel overwhelming, isolating, or stressful, especially when everything feels new and high stakes. Research shows that lack of consistent support is associated with higher stress levels and other health challenges that can affect both parent and baby.
The good news is that your health plan may offer resources to help support you throughout pregnancy, labor and after delivery. If you get health insurance through your employer, here are a few simple steps that can help you feel more informed and supported, without adding another thing to your to do list.
Start with what your plan covers. Even if you’ve been on the same plan for years, it’s worth taking a fresh look. Understanding basics like copays, deductibles, and which providers are in‑network can help prevent surprises later. And it may reveal benefits you didn’t know were there.
Don’t skip prenatal care. Regular prenatal visits and screenings can catch potential concerns early, often before they become serious. Most health plans cover many essential prenatal services, and many include screenings and vaccines that support both parent and baby.
Tap into virtual care. Life doesn’t pause just because you’re expecting. Many health plans now offer virtual options to support prenatal care, along with mental health counseling and lactation support. That means you can ask questions, check in with your care team, or get reassurance without leaving home when you can’t make that in‑person visit.
Ask about doula support. Some plans now include coverage of doula services or offer reimbursement. A doula is someone trained to support the person giving birth before, during, and after delivery. They don’t replace medical care, they complement it.
Studies show that people with doula support are less likely to experience complications, significantly less likely to experience anxiety and depression after birth, and more likely to breastfeed successfully. Just as importantly, many people say it helps them feel confident, informed, and heard during critical moments. That emotional support can be just as helpful as clinical care, especially in a country where too many people face serious maternal health challenges. Having someone in your corner who is focused on you can help change the experience.
Dr. Lisa Saul serves as Chief Medical Officer of Women’s Health for UnitedHealthcare.
