Prenatal Care Guidance

Women who begin prenatal care during the first three months of pregnancy and continue it throughout their pregnancy:

Have healthier babies
Are less likely to deliver prematurely
Are less likely to have other serious health problems related to their pregnancy

The Prenatal Care Guidance Program helps pregnant women with limited income obtain early and regular prenatal care. Women will meet with a Guidance Nurse to talk about their needs and an Eligibility Worker to find out if they are eligible for:

Doctor visits and hospital bills
Special tests as needed
Medical care for baby

The program can also help with:

Finding a doctor for prenatal care and for baby's care
Health and nutrition education
Assistance with food, transportation, and housing
Finding other social support and medical care
Connecting pregnant teens to programs

Women who have limited income and qualify for Medi-Cal are eligible. There are no fees charged for these services.

For more information, call (530) 225-5850 or call toll-free at (800) 300-5122.

The following recommendations can help promote a healthy pregnancy:

Call your health care provider to find out when you should come in for your first prenatal appointment.
Go to all your medical/prenatal care appointments, even if you are feeling fine.
Get regular dental care/checkups before and during your pregnancy.
Avoid use of any alcohol, tobacco and/or other drugs.
Eat a healthy diet that contains fruit, vegetables, meats, whole grains and dairy products.
Exercise daily.
Take at least 400 micrograms of Folic Acid before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects in your baby’s brain and spine.

If your insurance does not cover birth control, pregnancy testing or family planning, you may be qualified for Family PACT. Family PACT provides no-cost family planning services to low-income women and men, including teens. Visit the Family PACT website for more information.