Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, CareOregon is here for you
Pregnancy is a one-of-a-kind journey! CareOregon is ready to walk beside you, today and after your baby is born.
Like always, we cover physical, dental and mental health care, and substance use treatment. But pregnancy and parenthood are special, so we and the community offer extra resources to you now.
Pregnancy and family support
CareOregon has lots of ways to support you – and your whole family -- during these nine months and beyond.
Download our free pregnancy booklet: “CareBaby: Your helpful guide to a healthy and happy pregnancy"
- This booklet is just for CareOregon members.
- It’s also available in Spanish here.
- We’ll mail you a printed copy after the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) lets us know you’re pregnant. (We’ll also confirm with you or your provider.)
Download our free newborn booklet: “CareBaby: Your helpful guide to a healthy and happy newborn and post-birth recovery"
- This booklet is just for CareOregon members.
- It’s also available in these languages (click to download): Spanish | Arabic | Burmese | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Russian | Somali | Vietnamese
- We’ll mail you a printed copy with the CareBaby Gift Program materials (learn more about the CareBaby Gift Program below)
Are you pregnant but have not received a copy of the pregnancy or newborn booklets? OHP records may need updating about your pregnancy. CareOregon Customer Service is happy to help with this. Please contact us.
Contact CareOregon
Call: 503-416-4100 | Toll-free: 800-224-4840 | TTY:
711
Secure messaging through the member portal: careoregon.org/portal
Other ways to support your pregnancy
Click on a topic below to learn more.
It’s doubly good to take care of yourself while pregnant — because that’s the best way to take care of your growing baby, too. We’re here to help with that.
Benefits. CareOregon and OHP pay for covered pregnancy-related services. There’s no cost to you for physical, dental and mental health care, prescription drugs, and certain things that support a healthy pregnancy, such as prenatal
vitamins and eye exams. 
We can support you in reducing or stopping use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Your primary care provider (PCP), prenatal provider and CareOregon Customer Service are glad to talk with you about this resource.
Transportation assistance. You
may be eligible for help with transportation to physical, dental or mental health care services covered by OHP. Depending on your needs, this could mean help with paying for gas, transit fare or getting a vehicle-provided ride. Call Ride to Care during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday, to ask if you qualify. Click here for more info on access and rules for Ride to Care.
Ride to Care: 503-416-3955 | Toll-free: 855-321-4899 | TTY: 711
Language interpretation services. Do you need an interpreter for office visits or calls with providers? You’re legally entitled to this, free of charge. Good communication with providers is always important, and even more so during pregnancy.
How to request interpretation services. When
you make appointments, let your provider know you would like an interpreter. The clinic will schedule the interpretation service. Please call at least 48 hours in advance whenever possible.
Pregnant members in their third trimester are eligible for the CareBaby Gift Program. Members in their third trimester are sent a mailing, which includes the CareBaby Newborn Booklet (see above), an offer letter, a response form and a postage-paid envelope.
All members who respond to the offer mailing for the CareBaby Gift Program receive a CareBaby Newborn Starter Kit, which contains an infant toothbrush, a digital thermometer, a sleep sack swaddle, a onesie and a safe sleep book called Sleep Baby, Safe and Snug. Members will also have their choice of one larger CareBaby new Baby Gift:
- Diaper Gift Package (one-month supply of size 1 diapers — two large boxes — and one large box of wipes),
- Car Seat Gift Package (either an infant car seat with a removable base or a convertible car seat) or
- Safe Sleep Gift Package (portable playard with bassinette).
To be automatically enrolled in the CareBaby Gift Program, you need to be sure you’ve updated your pregnancy status with OHP. There are three ways to do this:
- Call OHP at 800-699-9075. Select “Report a change in your information” or “Apply for Oregon Health Plan Benefits.” (Note: Those phone options may change.)
- Log in to your Oregon Eligibility (ONE) Account at one.oregon.gov
- Email updates and questions at oregon.benefits@dhsoha.state.or.us When you send your email, here are a few tips:
- Write “Pregnancy status change” in the subject line.
- Include basic details in the email itself, including: your full name, your Member ID number, your mailing address, and your phone number.
OHP covers pregnant members for their full pregnancy (and for at least one year after the baby’s birth), and often provides extra benefits. CareOregon Customer Service is happy to help make sure your OHP records are updated with your pregnancy,
so you can be automatically enrolled in the CareBaby Gift Program when you enter your third trimester. Please contact us.
Questions and answers about the CareBaby Gift Program
Q: Am I eligible for the gift program?
A: All Health Share/CareOregon members who are identified as pregnant by OHA and who are in their third trimester are eligible for the CareBaby Gift
Program. See above for details about letting OHA know you are pregnant.
Q: How do I get my free gifts?
A: Fill out the CareBaby Gift Request Form one time, either on paper, on your phone or online. Mail it, submit it on your phone or submit it on a computer. That’s all
you need to do. We will take it from there.
Q: When will I receive my gift?
A: The gifts will come in two different shipments. We’ll send them to the delivery address you put on the form. The address can be different from where you live.
TIP: Use an address that’s safe for deliveries.
- The CareBaby Newborn Starter Kit typically ships from CareOregon within 14 days after we receive your request.
- The CareBaby New Baby Gift ships directly from the supplier. Delivery may take up to 21 business days from receipt by CareOregon. Delivery time depends on availability.
If you haven’t received your requested gift in the time listed above, please email us at carebaby@careoregon.org or call Customer Service.
Q: How do I opt out of the program?
A: Call Customer Service and request to “Opt out of the CareBaby Program.” This will ensure you no longer receive CareBaby mailings during your current pregnancy. You may be automatically enrolled in the program if you are identified as pregnant in the future.
- Dental care is safe – and good for you and your growing baby.
- Check your Member ID card for the name of your dental care provider.
- Our Two Bright Smiles brochure explains how to have healthy teeth and gums in pregnancy: English | Spanish | Arabic | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Russian | Somali | Vietnamese
What are birth doulas?
Birth doulas are trained, certified birth companions who:
- Provide personal, non-medical support for you and your family.
- Help during pregnancy, childbirth and after your baby is born.
- Are a covered benefit for CareOregon members.
Doulas registered in Oregon have completed certified training and background checks.
- Find a registered doula: OHP registry
- Doula resources: Oregon Doula Association
After your baby is born, you’ll want to enroll your newborn in the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Enrollment is not automatic.
The hospital can help send a Newborn Notification Form to OHP. You can download the form here. Then, bring the form to the hospital or your newborn appointment so your provider can fill it out.
When you’re smoking, your baby is smoking. We can help you both be free of tobacco! Talking with your prenatal provider or primary care provider is a good first step. CareOregon offers many ways to help you stop smoking.
- We cover a quit coach.
- We cover counseling in person and by phone.
- Talk with your providers about medication to help fight cravings.
- Or contact Quit For Life®. Call toll-free 800-784-8669 or visit quitnow.net/Oregon
- A smoke-free pregnancy is healthier for you and your baby, now and in the future.
- Quitting while pregnant is one of the best gifts you can give your baby.
You may have lots of questions during the months ahead. Who to ask?
When you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy: Call your clinic.
When you have questions about benefits and services: Call
CareOregon Customer Service.
Contact CareOregon
Portland metro area: 503-416-4100 | Toll-free: 800-224-4840 | TTY: 711
Contact the Oregon Health Plan
Call OHP: Toll-free at 800-699-9075
Log-on or create a ONE account to update your information: one.oregon.gov
Email updates and questions to:
Oregon.Benefits@dhsoha.state.or.us
- Put “Pregnancy status change” in the email subject line.
- Include basic details in the body of the email: your full name, Member ID number, mailing address and phone number.
We cover several options that do not use prescription drugs.
- Acupuncture: We require an authorization (an OK from us) before you’re treated. Providers are reimbursed for the services we cover.
- Chiropractic: An authorization is not required for evaluation. We do require an authorization before treatment.
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and osteopathic manipulative therapy: An authorization is not required for evaluation. Authorization is not required for diagnoses that are on the state’s Prioritized List of Health Services. We do require an authorization for diagnoses not on the Prioritized List.
With a referral from a provider, the early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) program offers well-child exams for the diagnosis and treatment of all children from ages 0-20. Learn more about these services for children.
You may qualify for the Health Related Social Needs Benefit as a pregnant member. If you are pregnant, have a social need (food, housing, climate) and are in one of the following transitional groups you may qualify:
- Are a youth involved with the child welfare system, including youth leaving foster care
- Are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness
- Have been released from custody or a residential behavioral health setting
- Are transitioning from Medicaid-only to both Medicaid and Medicare coverage
- Are ages 19-26 with special health care needs (starting 1/1/25)
For more information and to apply for this benefit, please visit our Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) page.
Pregnancy info and resources
As you go through pregnancy and start life
with your baby, remember that CareOregon and many others in the community care about your health and well-being. Please reach out when you need support.
Get help quitting or reducing tobacco
When you’re smoking while pregnant, your baby is smoking. You both can
be free of tobacco. Talk with your primary care provider or prenatal provider about the services CareOregon offers to help you cut down or quit smoking.
Or contact Quit For Life®.
Call: Toll-free 800-784-8669 (800-QUITNOW)
Visit: quitnow.net/Oregon
Healthy food for you and your family
The Oregon WIC Program helps families get healthy food, nutrition
education and more. The program supports pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women and children under 5 years old. Dads, grandparents, foster parents or other guardians may apply for
WIC for their children.
For the African American community
Multnomah County’s Healthy Birth Initiative addresses the
needs of African American women and their families, during pregnancy and after the baby is born. To apply,
call 503-988-3387.
Services are Afrocentric and available to Multnomah County residents. The initiative’s “Father/Male Involvement” activities focus on strengthening the community of
African American fathers.
Download a Healthy Birth Initiatives handout here. 
“Hey Baby” magazine
“Hey Baby”, a colorful online magazine, presents practical stories about healthy eating, physical activity, managing stress, healthy weight gain and other issues special to pregnancy.
Also in Spanish: Hola Bebé: Vida Sana para tener un Bebé Sano
Two Bright Smiles
Seeing a dentist for teeth and gum health is safe during pregnancy. It is also important to your baby’s health. CareOregon covers your dental care, and we can also help you find a dentist.
Our Two Bright Smiles brochure explains how to have healthy teeth and gums in pregnancy: English | Spanish | Arabic | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Russian | Somali | Vietnamese
Healthy relationships
Do you have concerns about the physical or emotional safety of your relationship? A respectful, supportive relationship with your partner leads to better health and a longer life for you, and a better life for your child. Talk with your prenatal provider. Or contact these free resources, at any time:
- Call to Safety. Call toll-free 888-235-5333, every day, 24 hours. The people who answer the phone are kind and specially trained. They do not report, to anyone, anything you say.
- Loveisrespect.org. Send a text to trained advocates about whatever is on your mind about relationships. Loveisrespect, a nonprofit, also offers information and support to concerned friends, family and others. Text “loveis” to 22522. Open every day, 24 hours.
- myPlan app. Download this password-protected app on a smartphone, or use the website tool. It helps with safety decisions if you, or someone you care about, is experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship.
Using seatbelts and air bags
Yes, keep wearing a seatbelt! Get tips about the proper way to buckle up during pregnancy.
Child safety seats
Oregon Impact offers resources for making sure your baby’s car seat is installed the
right way.
See information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about infant and child car seats.
Text4Baby
Text4baby is a free service. It gives you timely health and safety information during pregnancy and your baby’s first year of life. (Family members and friends can also sign up if they’d like to.) Text4baby will send about three helpful tips each week, at no charge. The tips are timed to your due date.
Sign up in any of these ways:
- Text “BABY” (Or “BEBE” for Spanish) to 511411.
- Go to text4baby.org. Click the “SIGN UP” button.
- Download the free text4baby app, available for iPhone and Android.
39 Weeks Is Best for Your Baby
Some births are scheduled a little early for non-medical reasons. If your pregnancy is healthy, wait for labor to begin on its own. There are health benefits for the baby when your pregnancy lasts at least 39 weeks.
Family planning
It’s important to space pregnancies, for your health and the health of future children. It’s good to have a family planning method in place before your baby is born. Bedsider walks you through finding the method that’s best for you and your situation.
Breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding has health benefits for you and your child. Hormones help you feel calm and close to your baby. And your breastmilk passes immunities to your baby that help fight off illness.
La Leche League of Oregon - Portland provides support for all nursing mothers.
Nursing Mothers Counsel of Oregon offers free breastfeeding guidance, from experienced parents, in the Portland metro area. Other services include breast pump sales and rentals, and help with planning your return to work.
Reading to babies and toddlers
Reading out loud to babies as soon as they’re born, supports their brain, language development and family bonding. Zero to three gives basic guidelines about what to expect from your young child, and tips on the books that are a good fit for your baby’s first three years.
Child vaccine schedule: Birth to 6 years
Vaccines can protect your baby from a dozen diseases. This schedule of recommended immunizations shows which vaccines are appropriate for your child at which age.
Vacunas recomendadas para niños
Help Me Grow Oregon
Free support for families who are pregnant or who have children up to 6 years old, in the tri-county metro region. Click here for more information.
503-833-4769
Get a brief overview of pregnancy resources in our simple, one-page handout. Click on a language below to download:
When you’re pregnant, you may come across new health-related words. We’ve defined some common ones.
Birth doula: A trained birth companion who offers support (emotional, physical or educational) to those who are pregnant: during pregnancy, delivery and beyond. Doulas may also support other family members.
Prenatal provider: A medical specialist who focuses on pregnancy and childbirth. This could be a midwife, a certified nurse midwife (CNM), a family medicine physician with training in obstetrics, or an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/gyn).
First trimester: The beginning months of your pregnancy. It runs from conception to 12 weeks (0 to 3 months).
Second trimester: The middle stage of pregnancy. It runs from week 13 to 27
(4 to 6 months).
Third trimester: The final stage of pregnancy. It covers week 28 to 40 (7 to 9 months).
Prenatal: Anything that relates to pregnancy. For example, prenatal vitamins are special vitamins to take while pregnant.
Postpartum: The weeks that follow childbirth — usually the first 12 weeks, but sometimes longer.
WIC: The Women, Infants and Children Program. It’s a public health program that offers healthy food and other resources for those who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding or responsible for a child under 5 years old. Oregon Health Plan/CareOregon members qualify for WIC benefits. Click here for more information.