Embarking on the journey of pregnancy begins with prioritizing prenatal care—an essential foundation for ensuring the health of both you and your baby. Committed to being your dedicated partners in this transformative experience, we aim to guide you through the crucial elements necessary for a thriving and healthy pregnancy.
The First Step
The Pregnancy Access Bridge, referred to as the "Bridge" visit, occurs between receiving a positive pregnancy test result and your initial prenatal appointment with your chosen prenatal care provider.
It's crucial to note that this appointment does not replace comprehensive prenatal care. It serves as a transitional step, emphasizing the importance of continuing your care journey with a prenatal provider to undergo the complete array of necessary tests for a healthy pregnancy.
Tests & Lab Work
At your Planned Parenthood Bridge appointment, we offer the following services:
• An ultrasound that tells you how far along you are
• Gonorrhea test
• Chlamydia test
• HIV test
• Syphilis test
• Hepatitis C test
• Flu shot (if available)
• Prenatal vitamins
Here is a list of the additional things your prenatal provider might test for when you start prenatal care:
• Anemia (low iron)
• Blood type
• Hepatitis
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Measles or mumps
• Diabetes
• Genetic testing for conditions like Down Syndrome
• Cervical cancer (pap smear)
How to Get Prenatal Care
1.) Apply for ongoing Medi-Cal or other health insurance coverage.
• By telephone: Orange County (714) 541-4895 | San Bernardino County (877) 410-8829
• In person at your local Medi-Cal office
• Online at benefitscal.com | coveredca.com
2.) Once your Medi-Cal or other insurance plan is approved, select a prenatal provider and call to schedule your first prenatal visit.
3.) At your first prenatal appointment with your prenatal provider, bring a copy of the ultrasound provided during your Pregnancy Access Bridge appointment.
Need More Information About Pregnancy?
Visit www.acog.org for more information on the following topics, and many more.
• Pregnancy and nutrition
• Nausea and pregnancy
• Exercise and pregnancy
• Benefits of flu shot
• Smoking, alcohol, and drugs
• Travel during pregnancy
Other helpful websites:
• mothertobaby.org
• choosemyplate.gov
• patients.pposbc.org
• momsorangecounty.org (for Orange County residents)