When You're Expecting Checklist
- Some expectant parents spread the news very early, while others choose to wait until 12 weeks or so. Consider notifying your manager early if you are experiencing severe morning sickness, complications or you require work accommodations in your position such as heavy lifting, etc.
- Contact your facility nurse at least 30 days before your due date (earlier if you know that you are at high risk for bed rest or preterm delivery) to complete necessary documentation . Your obstetrician must return the documentation provided to them by MDMS. Refer to the HR Guide on the PSC website for details (601, Medical Leave of Absence).
- Short-Term Disability coverage pays 60% or 100% of your salary during your Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA), depending on your length of service. Refer to the Summary Plan Description (SPD) on the PSC website for coverage details.
- You are eligible for Family Medical Leave after one year of service. Up to 12 weeks of Family Medical Leave is available to you to take in conjunction with the birth or adoption of a child. Refer to the Summary Plan Description (SPD) on the PSC website for coverage details.
- Certain prenatal care
- Testing and counseling for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
- Testing for a blood condition known as Rh incompatibility
- Folic acid supplements (with a prescription), which help protect your baby from certain birth defects
- A wide range of prenatal tests, including anemia screening and screening for urinary tract infections
- Testing for gestational diabetes
- Screening and help to quit tobacco use
- Breastfeeding counseling and equipment
- Birth control after you've had your baby
- Visit https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/
- This program provides resources to expectant mothers during all stages of pregnancy — from pre-conception through post-partum. You benefit from a clinical team that works closely with you to provide optimal care management. provides a baby gift upon completion of the program.
- The MELS website has articles on prenatal nutrition, weight gain during pregnancy, how to stay active during pregnancy, food safety, childbirth, having multiples, new parents, having babies later in life, due date calculators, etc.
- Free financial planning assistance is available through MELS.
- A Free Prenatal Kit, including a pregnancy book and other tools is available by calling MELS.
- Trained confidential counseling is available to help you cope with family issues, pregnancy, miscarriage or still births through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) within MELS.
- A personal double-electric pump is available at no cost to you. Go to
- myUHC.com allows you to find in-network providers in your area that are UnitedHealthcare Premium Providers. These providers provide the best outcomes and cost efficiency within the UHC network.
- Did you know that different doctors charge different amounts for the same services? UnitedHealthcare’s myHealthcare Cost Estimator can help you know your options and your estimated out-of-pocket costs, and how that cost is impacted by your deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum - all before even seeing a doctor. Click on the “Estimate Health Care Costs” button on the myUHC.com home page.
- Visit www.myUHC.com or call (555) 278-6882.
- You have access to medical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost to you through the Nurse Hotline at (555) 747-7133.
- www.safercar.gov/parents/ has a tool to help select the correct car seat for your child. The site also offers ease-of-use ratings, installation instructions and registration instructions. Your vehicle manufacturer’s website may also offer guidance on which car seats are compatible with your vehicle.
- At Safe Kids car seat inspection events, trained technicians will teach you how to correctly install your car seat. Visit www.safekids.org to find an event in your area or watch videos on how to correctly install your car seat.
- Many free or low-cost apps (such as What to Expect- Pregnancy, The Bump, Babycenter- My Pregnancy, Baby Names, Pregnancy Tracker, Baby Kicks, etc.) are available for smartphones and tablets that may be helpful as you plan to expand your family. Visit the Apple AppStore or Amazon Marketplace to find available options for your device.
- Consumer Reports Health “What to reject when you’re expecting”- 10 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy
