Your Guide to TRICARE Pregnancy Coverage
Just found out you’re expecting? Congratulations! This is such an exciting time for your family. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by questions about your TRICARE pregnancy coverage and what benefits you qualify for, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a military spouse or active-duty service member, understanding your coverage is an important step in getting the right care for yourself and your baby.
That’s where Maternal by Sentido comes in. We specialize in helping military families navigate TRICARE maternity benefits, from prenatal and postpartum care to ordering your no-cost breast pump and getting lactation support.
What Does TRICARE Pregnancy Coverage Include?
TRICARE’s “Maternal Care” services include:
Care during and after pregnancy
Treatment for complications if they arise
Products and services that support breastfeeding
Your TRICARE pregnancy coverage may vary depending on which TRICARE plan you have (Prime, Prime Remote, or Select), but in general TRICARE pays for:
Prenatal and postpartum visits
Medically necessary lab work and ultrasounds
Labor and delivery, including anesthesia and C-section if needed
Breastfeeding support and supplies, including a breast pump
How TRICARE Pregnancy Coverage Works by Plan
TRICARE Prime:
Start by contacting your Primary Care Manager (PCM), who will coordinate your pregnancy care.
If your military hospital or clinic offers maternal services, you’ll receive care there.
If not, your PCM will refer you to a civilian provider.
You won’t have copays or cost-shares for covered services.
TRICARE Prime Remote:
Your PCM will still direct your care, but because you live far from a military hospital or clinic, you’ll be referred to civilian providers.
Pre-approval from your regional contractor is usually required, and your PCM helps with that process.
TRICARE Select:
You can choose any TRICARE-authorized provider without needing a referral.
If you use a network provider, your costs will be lower and they’ll file claims for you.
If you use a non-network provider, you may pay more out of pocket and might need to file your own claims.
TRICARE Prenatal Services Coverage
Prenatal care is an important part of your maternal care from the time you find out you are pregnant until you have your baby. As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, call your primary care provider to set up a prenatal appointment. Depending on your care plan, this could be coordinated by your PCM.
Frequent appointments with your doctor are important for monitoring you and your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy.
TRICARE covers the following services for determining the health of your baby and if you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy:
Amniocentesis
Cordocentesis
Chorionic villus sampling
Fetal stress test
Electronic fetal monitoring
Ultrasounds Covered by TRICARE
TRICARE also covers the following ultrasounds:
Estimate gestational age
Evaluate fetal growth and well-being
Investigating complications like bleeding or suspected ectopic pregnancy
Checking for multiple gestations or abnormalities
(Note: TRICARE doesn’t cover ultrasounds for routine screening or to determine the sex of the baby.)
TRICARE Breast Pumps Coverage
One of the most valuable aspects of TRICARE pregnancy coverage is access to a no-cost breast pump. Having the right pump can make your breastfeeding journey smoother, and with TRICARE you do not have to worry about the cost.
How TRICARE Breast Pumps Coverage Works
You are eligible at 27 weeks of pregnancy
Choose a TRICARE-approved supplier such as Maternal by Sentido
Ask your doctor for a breast pump prescription
Submit the prescription to your supplier
Your breast pump is shipped directly to your home
Depending on your plan, some pumping supplies may also be included
Why Choose Maternal by Sentido
We make the process simple and provide more than just a pump. When you order through us, you also receive complimentary lactation support from our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).
Our 5-step process:
Complete our Insurance Eligibility Form
We verify your coverage and confirm your options
We request the prescription from your provider for you
We order and ship your breast pump straight to your home
You unlock free lactation support with our IBCLCs
It is that simple, and you do not have to navigate TRICARE alone.
(Note: The process will vary from one supplier to another, so make sure to communicate with your selected supplier for more information.)
TRICARE’s Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD)
The Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) gives you access to extra pregnancy and postpartum services that are not normally included in standard TRICARE coverage. These services include support from:
Certified non-medical doulas
Certified lactation consultants
Certified lactation counselors
Doula Services
Eligibility:
Are at least 20 weeks pregnant
Plan to give birth outside a military hospital or clinic
See a TRICARE-authorized provider for your delivery
What is Covered:
Up to six hours of doula visits (can be split into 15-minute sessions)
One untimed visit during your birth
(Want to know more about doulas? Check out our Doula vs. Midwife blog.)
Lactation and Breastfeeding Support
Eligibility:
Are at least 27 weeks pregnant
Already qualify for TRICARE’s breastfeeding support benefit
What is Covered:
Lactation consultants: Highly trained professionals who provide full breastfeeding care, including help with complications. Coverage is free in-network. Non-network consultants must meet Tricare’s qualifications.
Lactation counselors: Certified professionals who offer counseling for normal breastfeeding and lactation. Available individually or in groups, as long as qualifications are met.
Group breastfeeding counseling: Sessions led by a lactation consultant, lactation counselor, or Tricare-authorized provider. Includes both prenatal breastfeeding education and postpartum support.
(Note: TRICARE may also cover individual breastfeeding counseling through other Tricare-authorized providers under its standard breastfeeding benefit.)
Who is Eligible for CBSD?
The CBSD program is available to families with:
TRICARE Prime
TRICARE Prime Remote
TRICARE Select
For more information about how to enroll in CBSD, check with your regional contractor.
TRICARE Coverage during Labor and Delivery
TRICARE covers medically necessary labor and delivery, including:
Vaginal birth (48-hour hospital stay covered)
C-section (96-hour hospital stay covered)
Anesthesia and monitoring
Your TRICARE pregnancy coverage plan will likely determine where you give birth, but you and your healthcare provider will work together to determine what medical professional you will choose to deliver your baby.
Postpartum TRICARE Coverage
TRICARE covers the two typical postpartum follow-up appointments, but there could be more if you doctor sees it is necessary.
TRICARE also offers breastfeeding consulting from a lactation consultant. You can get breastfeeding counseling during an inpatient maternity stay, follow-up outpatient visit, or a well-childcare visit. You can also get counseling at up to six outpatient visits.
How Much Does Tricare Pregnancy Coverage Cost?
How much you pay for maternity care depends on your Tricare pregnancy coverage and your beneficiary status.
Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) and their families with Tricare Prime: No cost for maternity care.
Tricare Prime beneficiaries who are not ADSMs: You can choose the point-of-service option to see any Tricare-authorized provider without a referral. However, this comes with higher out-of-pocket costs. (ADSMs cannot use the point-of-service option.)
All other Tricare plans and beneficiaries: Standard deductibles, copayments, and cost-shares apply, based on your specific plan and provider choice.
Partner with Maternal by Sentido!
Maternal by Sentido is a TRICARE-approved breast pump supplier, which means you can order your TRICARE breast pump through us at little to no cost. We make the process simple by delivering your pump straight to your door and offering the extra support you need along the way.
Our team is made up of Registered Dietitians and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). We are not only experts in breastfeeding, but also highly experienced in navigating TRICARE pregnancy coverage. That means we can walk you through both the insurance process and your breastfeeding journey with confidence.
More Than a Pump: Complimentary Lactation Support
When you order your breast pump through Maternal by Sentido, you also receive complimentary lactation support. From latching to building a milk supply, our IBCLCs are here to answer questions and support you after your pump arrives.
Maternal by Sentido’s 5-Step TRICARE Breast Pump Process
We keep it simple, so you don’t have to worry.
Step 1: Complete the Insurance Eligibility Form:
Include your full Tricare member ID (with any prefix characters).
Add your doctor’s phone number and we will reach out directly.
Upload a copy of your insurance card for faster processing.
Step 2: Insurance Verification:
Our team confirms your coverage and lets you know which pumps are included.
Step 3: Prescription Request:
We contact your provider for a breast pump prescription on your behalf.
If you have an appointment coming up, you can download our prescription form, bring it to your doctor, and then upload the signed copy to our website.
Step 4: Order and Delivery:
Together we’ll select the best breast pump for your needs. Once confirmed, we’ll order it and ship it directly to your home. You’ll receive updates with tracking information along the way.
Step 5: Complimentary Lactation Support:
After your pump arrives, you unlock access to free support sessions with our IBCLCs.
Navigating TRICARE Pregnancy Coverage
We know TRICARE can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time using military spouse benefits. That’s why building a “village” of support is so important — moms who have been through it, friends who are walking the same path, and professionals who care about you and your baby’s well-being.
Let Maternal by Sentido be part of your village. We help you:
Navigate TRICARE’s insurance process with confidence
Select the best covered TRICARE breast pump for your needs
Receive ongoing lactation support from experts
Access extra resources like our free Breastfeeding 101 Class and downloadable guides
At Maternal by Sentido, you are never just another patient. You are a MOM who deserves heartfelt, personalized care before and after your baby arrives.
Connect with Maternal by Sentido
Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality breast pumps through insurance and getting to know you as a mom and guiding you through your maternal health journey.
Maternal by Sentido has an online community offering informative blogs, downloadable material, and social media that will carry you through your maternal health journey.