Understanding the Affordable Care Act and Women's Health

If you're pregnant, think you might be, or are planning to get pregnant -- here are some tips on preventive care to help you have a healthy baby.

Many of these services are available to moms-to-be, who have private insurance with no co pay or deductible under the ACA,

Plus you can't be turned down for insurance or charged more because you're expecting like you could in the past.

And many women for the first time would be able to get affordable health coverage that covers maternity health through Health Insurance Marketplace.

As soon as you think you're pregnant, visit an OB-GYN or midwife. She'll perform a number of tests during your first visit, including blood and urine as well as a Pap smear.

She's looking for anemia, infections, and other things that could affect your baby

During your pregnancy, it's really important to go in for regular checkups, which will be free of charge as long as your doctor is part of your insurance company's network.

Your doctor will check your baby's growth and heart rate, as well as your weight and blood pressure.

Until your 28th week, you should see your doctor about once a month. After week 28, you'll begin seeing her about twice a month.

From week 36 until you give birth, see your doctor once a week.

Make sure you get a flu shot and Tdap vaccine while you are pregnant. The Tdap vaccine can protect you and your baby from a severe respiratory infection.

If you have private insurance, they're available under the ACA at no additional charge.

You're also eligible for free screenings to test for HIV, hepatitis B, and sexually transmitted infections. These tests should be done early, ideally before you get pregnant.

If you are pregnant or want to get pregnant you should avoid drinking alcohol. And smoking is bad for you and your baby so you should quit before getting pregnant.

Being obese can pose major risks to both you and your baby. Counseling at no extra cost is available for obesity, alcohol abuse and for help to stop smoking - just ask your doctor

You should also start taking folic acid supplements before you get pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that can minimize the risk of serious birth defects.

When you're expecting, you'll be able to get folic acid supplements at no cost, and your doctor can tell you what dosage you need.

You should also take advantage of free screening for gestational diabetes. Many women develop this condition around the 24th week of their pregnancy

even if they've never had diabetes before -- and it can pose serious risks to you and your baby.

If you do develop it, your doctor can help you make changes to your diet and prescribe insulin injections, if needed.

Breast feeding has many advantages for your baby, you can receive breast feeding support and counseling at no cost.

Breast feeding supplies like breast pumps may be available to you without a copay or deductible, your insurance company pick up the cost .

Breast pumps help keep you milk flowing and help ensure that milk is available for your baby anytime, even if you aren't. And they allow other caregivers to take part in feeding your baby.

Being pregnant can be exciting, tiring, scary, and wonderful - all at once.

Under the ACA there are plenty of resources out there for expectant mothers, so make sure to ask your doctor for advice, or check the resources at the end of this video.

This way you'll be more confident, prepared, and excited for your new baby to arrive.