Prenatal care is crucial for both expecting mothers and the health of their unborn babies. If financial concerns are looming, rest assured that avenues like Medicaid exist to provide support. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help navigate the process:
- Confirm Your Pregnancy: Seek confirmation from a doctor if you suspect you’re pregnant due to symptoms like missed periods, nausea, or cramping.
- Apply for Pregnancy Medicaid Online: Lack medical insurance? Apply for Medicaid online, specifically for Pregnancy Medicaid, via the Medicaid website. This ensures coverage for pregnancy-related expenses.
- Explore Maternity Clinics: Upon approval for Pregnancy Medicaid, access care at county maternity clinics. These clinics are well-equipped to provide essential prenatal services.
- Consider Private Obstetricians: If you prefer private care, inquire with obstetricians in your area about Medicaid acceptance. Many offer a one-time flat rate for basic prenatal care. Compare rates and services among different practices.
- Check Your Health Insurance Policy: Already have health insurance but lack maternity benefits? Contact your provider to explore options for adding coverage, albeit at an additional fee.
Keep yourself updated about your rights and available resources. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance or clarification from healthcare providers or support services as needed. Many women are interested in options such as learning about adoption and whether it’s a consideration. Know that medical expenses can be covered by adoptive parents under North Carolina law. A Child’s Hope has eight counselors located throughout the state to seek guidance. Remember, regardless of your financial situation, prioritizing prenatal care is paramount for monitoring your health and ensuring the well-being of your unborn child. By using resources like Medicaid and exploring available options, you can access the care you need without undue financial burden. Both your health and your baby’s health are worth investing in.
This guide, provided by A Child’s Hope adoption agency in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper prenatal care for both maternal and infant health. If you suspect you might be pregnant, don’t hesitate to take a test and seek medical advice, or contact the agency for personalized care and support. TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396, we are happy to talk to you confidentially.
About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on matching birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed 470 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. For a confidential adoption counselor, TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396.
Reading is one of the great pleasures, especially during the holidays. With kids in holiday jammies, sometimes there’s nothing better than kicking back in your favorite spot at home with a celebrated book in hand. A Child’s Hope has a few names up our sleeves of favorites our families have shared throughout the years, add these to all the traditional titles. We know that representation matters, and love that Santa comes in many different colors. Snuggle up with your favorite books this year, and soak in the holiday spirit with family and friends.
Adoption creates families that defy cultural, 
Adoption Awareness Month is not only about celebrating adoption but also about making a tangible difference in the lives of children in need of loving homes. You can:
Childproofing your home is essential as your baby grows more mobile. Watch for broken toys, make sure the pieces are larger in size. 
community for help if you have questions. 
Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations. 
A last-minute call from the agency is where this story starts back on Easter weekend 2000. Her parents, Brian and Karen Perry received a call about a newborn Hispanic girl at the hospital needing a home. The couple quickly left the beach where they were spending the holiday weekend to begin their journey to become parents without much information. As the couple arrived, the birthmother was waiting at the hospital with her baby girl. At that time, there was no Spanish-speaking hospital liaison to help with communication. It was challenging during such an emotional time.
“I will never forget the look on her mother’s face when we dressed baby Allyson on the bed and left the room with her,” said Karen Perry, who is an OBGYN nurse at a major medical center. Placing a baby for adoption in 2000 for the most part meant a closed adoption. Open adoption was not common then, and information such as phone numbers and addresses were not exchanged. Thinking back, cell service and Wi-Fi were not always available in public places.
By E. Parker Herring
At one point, physicians told Marcy and Phillip that Hudson would, most likely, never walk, talk or even hear speech. Nevertheless, today Hudson is walking. He can hear and understand what is said to him. Albeit slow, he is developing verbal skills. Hudson is a loving, sweet child. The journey has been difficult at times. Marcy says what is most special about Hudson is his personality.
Parker Herring is a Board-Certified Family Law Attorney and Director of the NC-based adoption agency, A Childs Hope. In this blog, she shares a powerful story about how a special child can be the greatest blessing.