Are you unexpectedly pregnant and not sure where to turn for help?
You’re not alone. About 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, meaning that countless other women have walked this path before you. There are many local resources available that make an unplanned pregnancy possible!
Our three recommendations for what to do first:
1. Apply for pregnancy Medicaid.
If your income falls below a certain level and you’re a U.S. citizen, you should be eligible for pregnancy Medicaid. Your medical expenses will be covered by Medicaid if you’re under the care of medical providers who accept Medicaid (there are many). As long as your income doesn’t change, both you and your baby should be able to keep Medicaid health insurance after birth.
2. Apply for WIC and SNAP benefits.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and SNAP are federal programs that help families and individuals whose income falls below a certain level afford groceries and other resources (SNAP is also available only for U.S. citizens).
WIC:
- Monthly benefits to buy specific healthy foods
- Nutrition counseling
- Breastfeeding support and resources
- Referrals to healthcare and social services
You can apply at your local WIC office as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
SNAP:
- Monthly electronic benefits to purchase most grocery store foods
You can apply through your state’s SNAP office or website.(
3. Contact your local pregnancy resource center.
A pregnancy resource center provides free resources and services to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Often they provide:
- Medical services: free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds with a registered nurse
- Baby resources: car seats, diapers and wipes, strollers, etc.
- Education: pregnancy and parenting classes where you prepare for childbirth and caring for a baby
- Case management: Help with needs like transportation and housing; referrals to local resources
If you’re in the Triad, we provide all of these services for free at The Pregnancy Network! You can visit our locations in Greensboro or Winston-Salem.
Don’t live in the Triad? Chat with a registered nurse at our Nurse Chat 24/7 hotline! Get answers and peace of mind from a real medical professional. Get connected with resources local to you.
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.