Support for Anyone Who Is Pregnant or Might Be Pregnant
This guide is here to help you get started, even if things feel complicated.
Pregnancy Care and Resource Guide
This guide is designed to help people navigate pregnancy with clear, practical information and support. It can help you get started, find insurance or care, understand pregnancy and medical visits, take care of yourself, and find help along the way. You can use this guide anywhere, at any time, and in any order.
This guide also includes a separate Resource Guide that connects you directly to organizations that support people during pregnancy. The Resource Guide lists phone numbers, locations, and services in and around Lexington and North Platte, Nebraska.
Start, Safety & Pregnancy Decisions
If you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or just found out you are pregnant, you are not alone.
People have many different feelings at the start of pregnancy.
This section helps you get started. Here you’ll find what to do first, when to get help right away, and information about pregnancy options.
This section also includes information about warning signs, urgent concerns, and special situations.
The Resource Guide can connect you to organizations if you need testing, urgent help, or additional support.
You do not have to decide everything today.
Read what feels helpful right now.
When pregnancy begins, many people are learning how the healthcare system works for the first time.
This guide is here to help you take small, clear steps, one at a time.
Help is available especially if:
- You do not have insurance yet
- Your immigration status is complicated
- You do not speak English well
- You have moved recently or may need to move again
You can start where you are. Support is available.
You can buy a pregnancy test at most stores.
You can also get a pregnancy test at:
- Two Rivers Public Health Department (free or low-cost)
- Local clinics (see the Resource Directory)
If the test is positive:
- Try to make a prenatal appointment within 1–2 weeks
- Start taking a prenatal vitamin (you do not need a prescription)
- Apply for health coverage if you need it
To apply for health coverage, you may need a pregnancy verification letter from a health care provider. Cost-saving tip: Two Rivers Public Health Department may provide the pregnancy test and the verification letter without a clinic visit.
If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or feel unsafe, get care right away.
Go to any emergency room.
You cannot be turned away because of:
- Insurance status
- Immigration status
- Ability to pay
Help is available if you are worried about:
- Food
- Housing
- Transportation
- Safety
- Immigration concerns
You do not have to handle this alone.
People choose different paths during pregnancy.
Some people:
- Continue the pregnancy and parent
- Make an adoption plan
- Choose to end the pregnancy
Adoption is a legal option. You may:
Adoption
- Choose open, semi-open, or closed adoption (where birth parents are fully involved, partly involved, or not involved)
- Choose the family for your baby
- Get help with some pregnancy-related expenses
- Change your mind until the adoption is legally finalized
Abortion
Nebraska law limits abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, with few exceptions.
- Contact Planned Parenthood for abortion-related counseling
Seeing a prenatal provider early helps:
- Protect your health
- Protect your baby's health
- Find problems early
- Connect you to insurance, food help, and other support
Try to start prenatal care as soon as you can. Take a prenatal vitamin every day if possible.
Prenatal Care: Access & How It Works
This section explains how prenatal care works.
You'll learn:
- Where to get prenatal care
- What usually happens at visits
- What care looks like at different parts of pregnancy
This section also includes information about care after delivery.
You’ll also find guidance on how to ask questions, get help understanding information, and speak up during care. You are part of the care team.
The Resource Guide can help you find clinics and services for prenatal and after-delivery care.
This section can be used as a reference throughout pregnancy and after birth.
You have the right to:
- Ask questions
- Ask for an interpreter
- Bring someone with you
- Ask for copies of your records
- Change providers
You can say:
- “Can you explain that again?”
- “I need an interpreter.”
- “Something does not feel right.”
Not all clinics provide prenatal care.
Not all hospitals deliver babies.
In an emergency, go to the emergency room.
It helps to ask early where you will give birth.
When calling a clinic, you can ask:
- Do you provide prenatal care?
- Do you deliver babies?
- Where would I give birth?
- What hospital should I go to?
- What if labor starts at night?
- Who do I call?
- Do you have an interpreter?
In Rural Areas
- Family doctors often provide pregnancy care
- Some people give birth at a different hospital than where they get prenatal care
- Higher-risk pregnancies may involve specialists
Knowing the plan ahead of time helps reduce stress and surprises. It is okay to ask these questions more than once.
Kearney
- CHI Health Good Samaritan (Maternity Center) — Labor & delivery + postpartum care (regional maternity center).
- Kearney Regional Medical Center (Pregnancy & Baby / Maternity + NICU) — Labor & delivery with Level II NICU and lactation support.
- Family Practice Associates (Kearney) — Prenatal care with doctors who deliver at Kearney hospitals.
- Contemporary Obstetrics & Gynecology (Kearney) — OB/GYN clinic providing pregnancy care and women’s health services.
Lexington
- Lexington Regional Health Center (Obstetrics / Labor & Delivery) — Prenatal care through delivery and postpartum support.
- Lexington Women’s Care — OB/GYN clinic with routine and high-risk obstetrics care.
- Plum Creek Medical Group (Lexington) — Family medicine clinic; can provide prenatal referrals/coordination.
Cozad, Gothenburg & North Platte
- Cozad Community Medical Clinic — Family medicine clinic that includes prenatal care.
- Gothenburg Health (Women’s Health / OB Services) — Prenatal care, labor & delivery, postpartum + lactation support.
- Great Plains Health (Pregnancy & Childbirth / Maternity Services) — Prenatal care and hospital-based birth services in North Platte.
- North Platte OBGYN, PC — OB/GYN clinic providing pregnancy care and deliveries (women’s health).
High-Risk Pregnancy Care
- CHI Health Maternal–Fetal Medicine (TeleMFM) — Specialist support for high-risk pregnancies (often via telehealth).
Prenatal care means regular check-ups during pregnancy to help keep you and your baby healthy.
You do not need to understand medical words to get good care.
This section explains what usually happens, so you know what to expect — and what to ask for.
Most people have their first prenatal visit in the first few months of pregnancy.
At the first visit, the clinic may:
- Confirm the pregnancy
- Estimate your due date
- Ask about your health, past pregnancies, and medicines
- Check your blood pressure and weight
- Order blood and urine tests
- Sometimes do an early ultrasound
You can ask:
- “What is my due date?”
- “When should I come back?”
- “Who do I call if I have questions?”
After the first visit, most people have regular check-ups during pregnancy.
At many visits, they usually:
- Check your blood pressure
- Check your weight
- Check your urine
- Listen to the baby’s heartbeat
- Ask how you are feeling
- Give time for questions
If something is never being checked, it is okay to ask why.
During pregnancy, some tests are usually offered to check your health and the baby’s growth.
Many people have:
- Blood tests early in pregnancy
- An ultrasound around the middle of pregnancy (around 20 weeks)
- A diabetes test later in pregnancy
- Vaccines that protect you and your baby
Some tests are optional. You can ask:
- “What is this test for?”
- “Do I have to decide today?”
Pregnancy causes many body changes.
Common changes include:
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Body aches
- Heartburn
- Swelling
- Mood changes
You are not weak or doing something wrong. Always tell your provider how you are feeling.
Do not wait for your next appointment if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Strong belly pain
- Fever
- Severe headache or vision problems
- Sudden swelling of the face or hands
- Trouble breathing
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
- The baby moving much less than before (later in pregnancy)
You can go to:
- Your clinic
- Urgent care
- Any emergency room
You cannot be turned away for lack of insurance.
You help your care by:
- Going to visits when you can
- Asking questions
- Speaking up if something feels wrong
- Asking for help when things are confusing
Good prenatal care is something you deserve.
Everyday Pregnancy Care
This section focuses on what many people do day to day to support their health during pregnancy.
It covers food, rest, movement, medicines, stress, and common changes in your body. These everyday choices support your health and your baby’s development. You do not need to do everything perfectly. Small, steady steps still help you and your baby.
The Resource Guide includes programs and community supports related to pregnancy wellness that you may find helpful. You can return to this section anytime you have everyday questions or need reassurance.
Pregnancy puts extra work on your body.
Small daily choices can help support your health and your baby's health.
You do not need to do everything perfectly.
Doing some of these things is already helping.
Eating regularly helps your body and your baby grow.
Try to:
- Eat meals or snacks throughout the day
- Include fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein when possible
- Drink water often
If food is limited:
- Eat what you can
- Ask about WIC or food support
- Tell your clinic if you are skipping meals
You can ask:
- “Is there food support I can get during pregnancy?”
- “What foods help with nausea or heartburn?”
Prenatal vitamins help fill nutrition gaps.
Try to:
- Take one prenatal vitamin every day
- Take it with food if it upsets your stomach
- You can ask for gelatin-free or halal-certified prenatal vitamins
You can say:
- “This vitamin makes me feel sick.”
If you forget sometimes, that is okay. If vitamins make you sick, tell your provider. Other options are available.
Your body needs more rest during pregnancy.
If possible:
- Rest when you are tired
- Sit or lie down during breaks
- Avoid lifting very heavy items
If you are pregnant during Ramadan, you may have questions about fasting. Islam allows flexibility during pregnancy if fasting could affect your health or your baby's health.
If work is hard on your body:
- Tell your provider what your job requires
- Ask if a work note or job adjustment is needed
You can say:
- “My job is very physical.”
- “I’m exhausted all the time.”
Gentle movement is usually healthy during pregnancy.
Many people benefit from:
- Walking
- Stretching
- Light daily activity
Stop and get help if you feel:
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Strong pain
- Bleeding
You can ask:
- “What kind of movement is safe for me?”
Pregnancy can bring:
- Stress
- Worry
- Sadness
- Anger
- Trouble sleeping
These feelings are common — and help is available.
Tell your provider if you feel:
- Overwhelmed
- Very sad
- Very anxious
- Unsafe
You can say:
- “I don’t feel like myself.”
- “I'm having a hard time coping.”
You deserve support during pregnancy.
To help protect yourself:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid people who are very sick when possible
- Go to appointments and get recommended vaccines
Call or seek care if you have:
- Fever
- Burning with urination
- Strong belly pain
- Vaginal bleeding
Paying for Care, Paperwork & Support
This section helps explain how to pay for care and get support.
Many people need help with insurance, paperwork, or finding food, housing, transportation, or safety support. That is common — and help is available.
This section explains how systems work and what kinds of help may be available.
The Resource Guide lists organizations that can help with coverage, benefits, paperwork, and other support.
You can look at one part at a time. You do not need to understand everything to start.
There are programs that can help pay for medical care and food during pregnancy.
You do not need to understand all programs to get started. Help may be available even if your immigration situation is complicated.
Different programs help in different ways:
- Some provide health insurance
- Some provide pregnancy-only care
- Some help with food and nutrition
You may hear these programs called Medicaid, CHIP, or WIC. More details are available below.
Pregnancy can bring new worries about money, housing, food, safety, or paperwork.
Help is available for:
- Immigration concerns
- Food support
- Housing help
- Transportation
- Safety concerns
Important to know
- Clinics and hospitals do not report immigration status
- Asking for help will not affect your medical care
- You can ask for help even if you are not sure what you need
You do not have to handle this alone.
Different programs help in different ways:
Understanding Medicaid, CHIP & WIC
- Medicaid – Health insurance that helps pay for medical care
- CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) – Health coverage for children and some pregnant people
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – Food, nutrition, and breastfeeding support
You do not need to know which program fits you before you apply.
Ways to apply and get help
There is one main application for Medicaid and CHIP in Nebraska.
You do not need to know which program you qualify for before you apply.
The state will review your information and decide what fits your situation.
Many people need help with the application — that is okay.
You can apply in different ways:
- Online
- By phone
- In person
You can choose the option that works best for you.Apply even if documents are missing.Staff can tell you what to bring later.
You can say:
“I want to apply for pregnancy health coverage. Can you help me?”
Some pregnant people use insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov).
- Are self-employed
- Do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP
- Want coverage that continues after your baby is born
Marketplace plans may have monthly costs, but many people qualify for financial help. Help is available to compare plans and apply.
You are not alone. Take small, clear steps.
Documents are often requested after you apply.
It is okay if you do not have everything.
Pregnancy Verification Letter
- Confirms that you are pregnant.
- You can get this from: Two Rivers Public Health Department or a clinic appointment
- Cost-saving tip: Public Health may provide this letter without a clinic visit.
- You can say: “I need a pregnancy verification letter to apply for health coverage.”
Any document with your name, such as:
A Form of ID
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Passport (from any country)
- School, work, or consular ID
Proof of Address
Shows where you live now, such as:
- Mail with your name
- Lease or utility bill
- Note from the person you live with or a shelter
Proof of Income (if available)
- Examples: Pay stubs or employer letter
- Bank records
- Statement of no income
Apply even if documents are missing.
You may not get an insurance card right away.
Important to know:
- Approval may happen after care has started
- Medicaid may pay for care up to 3 months before approval (retroactive Medicaid)
Because of this:
- You may be asked to pay cash while waiting
- Tell clinics that you have applied for Medicaid
- Keep receipts in case coverage is approved later
If you need emergency care:
- Go to any emergency room
- You cannot be turned away for lack of insurance
Your health and safety come first.
If you can, keep this information with you — especially if you move or change clinics.
Important papers
- Pregnancy verification letter
- Insurance or Medicaid letters
- ID, address, and income papers (if available)
- Prenatal visit notes
- Ultrasound reports
- Lab results
Important pregnancy information
- Due date (or best estimate)
- Pregnancy problems
- Past pregnancy or delivery problems
Medications and allergies
- Medicines you take
- Vitamins or supplements
- Drug or food allergies
Helpful tips
- Take photos of papers on your phone
- Keep papers in one place
Ask for copies before leaving appointments
You are not alone.
Help and support are available.
Come back to this guide anytime.
We wish you the best during your pregnancy.