DVIDS – News – Ask your doctor: How can the military medical system help me during pregnancy?

Dear Doctor
I just found out I'm pregnant with my first baby and I'm so excited but also a little scared. As a partner of an active duty military member, I want to know what resources are available and what to expect in the military health care system during pregnancy and after giving birth.
–I'm new to this whole thing.

Congratulations on the exciting news!
Approximately 100,000 babies are born within MHS each year, ensuring extensive experience in prenatal care, labor, delivery and postnatal care, all fully covered by TRICARE.
U.S. Navy Capt. (Dr.) Kelly Elmore, an obstetrician-gynecologist and chief of staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, offers these valuable insights. She also shares her own insights in videos about resources within the military health system.
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Dear Arata,
Here's how MHS can help you during pregnancy and beyond.
Start with pre-pregnancy counseling with your primary care physician.
If you receive a positive result from a home pregnancy test, contact your clinic for confirmation and request a referral to a prenatal care provider under TRICARE.
For questions about receiving care, please consult your military prenatal care provider under the guidance of your medical benefits advisor.
The prenatal pathway, which follows professional medical guidelines, includes regular check-ups starting between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. There, feeding or triage will be performed, a medical history and physical exam will be taken, prenatal vitamins will be administered, and baseline test results will be taken. , first see a nurse, certified nurse midwife, family medicine specialist, or obstetrician.
If you experience pain or bleeding, we will seek medical attention as soon as possible.
From there, follow the TRICARE Prenatal Pathway. This is the Department of Defense's pregnancy and postpartum information and resource book. Other examples include the US Navy's telephone application.
Other military-wide resources for pregnancy and new families include TRICARE.mil's Pregnancy and Parenting Resources and Military OneSource's New Parent Support Program and Parenting. TRICARE offers numerous resources, from health and wellness during pregnancy, to breastfeeding and smoking cessation during pregnancy or as a parent, to child health tips and organizations, support and advocacy.
This pathway follows professional guidelines and best practices from the American College of Family Physicians, the College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses.
For regular and uncomplicated pregnancies, every 4 to 6 weeks during the first and second trimester and once every 4 to 6 weeks during the third and fourth trimester, depending on your health. ~ See your doctor every 4 weeks.
Specialized care is available for high-risk pregnancies. Behavioral health services are available for depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression.
For advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, use the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line. Parents are encouraged to put this service on speed dial. In many cases, the Nurse Advice Line can resolve your concerns and direct you to the appropriate health care provider, making an appointment if needed.
Postpartum care has evolved beyond the traditional six weeks after giving birth, taking into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of childbirth, as well as the newly recognized economic impact. Reservations will be decided based on the health status of the patient, family, and child.
MHS values ​​inclusivity and strives for world-class, evidence-based health care that supports diverse family structures and ensures families thrive.
I wish you a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
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Dear Arata,
Dr. Elmore has great advice and there are many resources available to you and your partner during pregnancy and beyond. As always, take care.