Pregnant? Connect with resources for Mom and Baby

Welcoming a new baby is exciting. It's also a big change and a lot to navigate. From prenatal care and nutrition to emotional support and baby essentials,

As children grow, family needs change. That's why the Maryland Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Bureau partnered with 211 to connect families to trusted maternal and child health resources

The Maternal and Child Health Resource Hub covers every stage, from pregnancy through the teen years, including child development, special health care needs, food, clothing, family planning, and more.

Powered by the 211 Community Resource Database, the same trusted source for community resources, it offers a search experience focused on maternal and child health needs, making it easier to find what your family needs.

Search maternal and child health hub

Couple looking at an ultrasound of their baby in the doctor's office

Health Care for Pregnant Moms and babies

During pregnancy, health care (prenatal care) is important for the health of the mother and the developing baby. Health insurance programs are available to offer free and low-cost health care during pregnancy.

If you don't qualify for the programs while pregnant, check again once the child is born, as they may qualify even if you don't.

Prenatal Care/Family Planning

Pregnancy Testing

Medicaid

Medicaid offers coverage during pregnancy and for a few months after the baby is born. Learn how to qualify for Medicaid.

Many new Medicaid rules will impact eligibility for noncitizens. Learn if this applies to your situation. Pregnant moms who are not U.S. citizens may still qualify for help through Healthy Babies. Apply for Healthy Babies through Medicaid.

Maryland Children's Health Program

If you do not meet Medicaid's financial eligibility requirements but also aren't eligible for private insurance, another option is the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP). That program supports eligible pregnant women and children up to age 19.

They can provide:

doctor visits
dental care
lab work
immunizations
mental health services
vision care

Apply online through Maryland Health Connection or through alternative methods, such as your local health department or social services.

Community Resources

We have hundreds of resources in our 211 Community Resource Database for pregnant and postpartum moms and babies. Find the ones you need by type of support.

Pregnancy and Postpartum

Safe Haven

If you're unwilling to care for the baby, Safe Haven is a confidential way to safely abandon an unharmed newborn. You don't have to answer any questions. Simply say, "This is a Safe Haven baby" and drop them off at a designated location in Maryland.

Find Safe Haven Locations

Placing a Child

If a mom can't care for the child, programs are available to help.

These are common counseling searches in our Resource Database.

Kinship may also be an option if there's a serious hardship. This is a temporary arrangement with a relative or non-relative, and it can be formal or informal.

Nutrition for Pregnancy: WIC

Maryland WIC (Women, Infants and Children) provides access to food, while pregnant and nursing for those who meet eligibility criteria. It's also available for children up to age five.

Maryland WIC offers food vouchers for healthy foods, nutrition information, and breastfeeding support.

Learn about qualifications and how to apply.

Learn more

Home Visiting Programs

Home visits during pregnancy and after delivery are a great way to get answers to your questions in the comfort of your home. It is also ideal for a home visitor to be able to help tailor recommendations that work best for your family in your home environment.

There are two ways to get home visiting in Maryland.

One is through Medicaid and the other is through your local county.

Medicaid Home Visiting

Those who qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for a home visit from a nurse or skilled professional during pregnancy and after childbirth.

These home visits offer an opportunity to talk about:

Pregnancy
Parenting
Postpartum care
Nutrition
Life challenges

The visits are specific to the personal situation.

Request home visits through a Medicaid health partner, referred to in Maryland as a Managed Care Organization (MCO).

Other home visiting programs in Maryland

Family Connects Maryland is a free and voluntary program for new moms, available in some areas of Maryland. A registered nurse can check in on the child and parent.

Other home visiting programs for new parents are also available in certain cities and counties throughout Maryland.

Other parts of the state also offer Healthy Start and Healthy Families programs.

Connect with a home visiting program:

Child Care Resources

Child care can be challenging to find, and pregnant moms may encounter wait lists. So, plan early, even before the baby is born.

Assistance programs are available to help pay for child care. The 211 child care guide explains your options.

You can also search our 211 Community Resource Database for a list of early childhood centers and locations to get help paying for it.

early childhood education
(judy centers/head start)

extended child care

Help with child care expenses

explore assistance programs

Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.

explore assistance programs

Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.

Health Care for Pregnant Moms and babies

Medicaid

Maryland Children's Health Program

Community Resources

Pregnancy and Postpartum

Safe Haven

Placing a Child

Nutrition for Pregnancy: WIC

Home Visiting Programs

Medicaid Home Visiting

Other home visiting programs in Maryland

Child Care Resources

related information for families

explore assistance programs

explore assistance programs

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