Frequently Asked Questions

Wellhop is a community of moms who share support and real-world answers. Wellhop uses online group conversations and educational tools to help women get ready for their new baby. The pilot includes:

• A brand new mobile app and website
• Group video conversations with a group leader and women at the same stage in pregnancy
• The latest information on pregnancy and postpartum health
• Educational articles, videos, podcasts and more

Wellhop brings women with similar due dates together for 19 video conversations with their group leader. Conversations are every other week for an hour. They focus on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Between meetings, you can talk with your group members and leader on discussion boards. You can also visit a resource library.

To take part in Wellhop, you must attend the video conversations. You can use your smart phone, tablet, computer or any other device with a camera.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of weird and unexpected changes. Hearing and sharing the crazy stories that come with pregnancy help remind us that we’re not alone. With Wellhop, you can share and celebrate, question and learn.

Yes. Wellhop is based on group prenatal care, where women with similar due dates meet in-person for education, support and medical services. The group prenatal care model is supported by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM). It has been shown to lower preterm birth rates and time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It also helps improve prenatal knowledge. It enables women to feel more ready for labor and delivery and more satisfied with their care.*

* Individual results may vary and cannot be guaranteed. Consult your healthcare professional on any medical decision.

Think of Wellhop as a trial run. It’s a way to learn what works well and what needs improvement. Your feedback will help shape this program for other mothers. Enrollment is limited during the pilot.

You can enroll through the Wellhop for Mom & Baby app or at momandbaby.wellhop.com. Sign up any time between your second and 36th week of pregnancy.

New groups start every month. You can join a group anytime between your second and 36th week of pregnancy. Soon after enrollment, your group leader will contact you and answer any questions you have.

Wellhop is available to pregnant women who are members enrolled in a participating UnitedHealthcare Community & State Plan.

The pilot does not include domestic partners at this time.

Wellhop is for all expectant moms, whether it’s your first or 14th pregnancy. Moms who’ve been pregnant before have a lot of wisdom to share. Every pregnancy is different. You may have new questions this time around.

Experienced moms and first time moms can benefit from sharing this incredible time together. Experienced moms bring first-hand knowledge. They can give new moms hope and understanding. New moms ask questions and share concerns. This may help experienced moms rethink their ideas. Everyone brings something unique and special to the group.

Your group will meet for about nine months. This includes five months of prenatal meetings and four months of postpartum meetings.

We’ll talk about all kinds of things. Prenatal topics include dealing with morning sickness, understanding what’s “normal” in pregnancy, warning signs, and preparing for labor and delivery. Postpartum topics include caring for your newborn, returning to work and more. Remember, this is your group. Your questions and concerns are always welcome.

Yes. Technical support is available at wellhop@uhg.com.

Wellhop meetings are led by group leaders with a background in prenatal and postpartum health.

The Wellhop pilot program does not replace prenatal or postpartum care with a provider. Wellhop doesn’t offer medical advice or tell you what to do. It’s a place to hear other women’s experiences. You also learn about the latest research. The information in the resource library and discussion boards is available around the clock. With Wellhop, you can feel prepared for conversations with your provider. You can even practice asking the embarrassing stuff with women who get it.

Wellhop is not meant to replace prenatal classes or classes about delivery methods. But we may cover the same topics.

The Maternity Support Program is available to employer sponsored health plan members. It is for women who are trying to have a baby or are already pregnant. It offers educational materials and 1-on-1 phone calls with a nurse. They can answer questions on pregnancy, high-risk births, newborn care and postpartum self-care. The Maternity Support Program focuses on your health needs. Wellhop provides group support and education. Depending on your eligibility, you may choose to take part in one program or both.

Healthy First Steps is available to UnitedHealthcare Community Plan members who are pregnant. It offers educational materials and 1-on-1 phone calls with a care manager. They can answer questions on pregnancy, high-risk births, newborn care and postpartum self-care. Healthy First Steps focuses on your health needs. Wellhop provides group support and education. Depending on your eligibility, you may choose to take part in one program or both.

We understand that life happens and sometimes you have to miss a meeting. The best Wellhop experience comes from connecting with your group on a regular basis. Being part of the conversation is important. That’s where the magic happens! You exchange ideas, get practical tips and share “real talk”.

Your group will be made up of women from all over the country. There will be some first-time moms and some experienced moms. Your group will be at the same point in pregnancy.

The pilot program does not include partners or support people at this time. We know that partners and support people are important. We encourage you to share what you learn with them. Your group leader may suggest that you talk with them about certain topics.

If you have questions about maternity benefits, contact your health plan member services. If you have questions about Wellhop, email us at wellhop@uhg.com.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be a challenging and sensitive time. If you have a question you do not want shared with the group, you can send a direct message to your group leader. Please keep in mind that group leaders do not give medical advice. Your provider is your best resource for all medical questions.

Wellhop is a covered benefit for participating health plans.

Talk with your manager or human resources department if you plan to take part during work hours. We offer many days and times, so you can work around your schedule.

We take privacy seriously and follow the rules of HIPAA. Wellhop will not share any personal information about you with your employer.