Grand View Health > The Birth and Family Center > Healthy Beginnings Plus

Healthy Beginnings Plus

As part of Grand View Health’s Birth & Family Center, Healthy Beginnings Plus provides prenatal care for low-income women at no cost. Our Healthy Beginnings Plus healthcare team—comprising a board-certified OB/GYN, social worker, dietitian and registered nurse—is dedicated to providing individualized services to expectant women. Through this program, you will receive laboratory testing, ultrasounds and other specialized studies. You can also sign up for prenatal education, breastfeeding and smoking cessation classes at no charge.

If you have questions or are concerned about the Medical Assistance application process, call us at 215-453-4077. You can receive prenatal care while you are waiting for a decision about qualifying for the Healthy Beginnings Plus program. If you do not qualify, you may elect to use the Grand View Health Medical Assistance plan.

Services available at no cost:

  • All necessary laboratory and ultrasound testing
  • Childbirth and parenting classes, including special classes and support groups for teens
  • Counseling and education to help you stop smoking
  • Instruction on what changes to expect during pregnancy
  • Instruction on how to take care of yourself and your baby
  • Nutritional counseling to help you eat well while pregnant
  • Postpartum examination six weeks after your baby is born
  • Prenatal vitamins and other prescription medications
  • Social work services to help with any problems you are having
  • Special arrangements if you need transportation to and from prenatal appointments
  • Referrals to community services such as WIC
  • Referrals to mental health services such as drug and alcohol counseling and treatment for depression or anxiety
  • Referral to a perinatologist if you need genetic testing
  • Referrals for continued gynecological care

Do I qualify?

Many women do not realize they qualify for Medical Assistance during pregnancy through the Healthy Beginnings Plus program. Our staff can tell you if you are eligible based on your family income.

Where will my baby be born?

You will give birth to your baby at Grand View Health. The Healthy Beginnings Plus program covers all services for you and your baby during your hospital stay. You will have the comfort of knowing that, should special needs arise, Grand View Health offers a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing more intensive newborn care, and 24-hour-a-day coverage by pediatricians from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

What happens after my baby is born?

When you and your baby go home, a maternity home care nurse will visit you. She will check on you and your baby. She will also address any healthcare needs you might have concerning the baby or yourself after giving birth.