The Business Case for Promoting Health Pregnancy
Summary Points
• Employers should take action in order to ensure beneficiaries are as healthy as possible before,
during, and after pregnancy. Health improvement will increase the likelihood of employees
returning to full productivity following birth, and reduce the excess medical costs associated
with pregnancy, postpartum, and neonatal care.
• Comprehensive health benefits, incentives, and clear communication can increase beneficiary
utilization of preventive preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care.
• Employers can leverage existing wellness/health promotion programs and healthcare benefits
to improve the health of pregnant beneficiaries. Making simple changes to existing programs
(e.g., exercise, weight management, and tobacco cessation) can broaden their reach and
effectively support women in pregnancy health promotion.
