Programs for Pregnant Mothers in Pennsylvania

If you're pregnant and living in Pennsylvania, you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of your next steps. The good news? You're not alone, and there are programs for pregnant mothers in Pennsylvania that can help you find the support and resources you need.

Whether you're looking for financial assistance, a safe place to stay, or someone to talk to, this guide will connect you with the help that’s available in your state. And if you’re considering adoption, American Adoptions is here to walk with you every step of the way.

Speak with a specialist today to learn how we can help you find the path that feels right for you.

Programs for Pregnant Women in Pennsylvania

There are a variety of programs for pregnant young mothers and women of all ages in Pennsylvania. These programs include community-based organizations, nonprofits, and state-funded initiatives that offer free or low-cost services like prenatal care, parenting classes, counseling, and more.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program (Statewide): WIC provides nutrition education, healthy food, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare for pregnant women, postpartum mothers, and young children up to age five. WIC is income-based and supports maternal and child health with critical resources like formula and healthy groceries.
Healthy Beginnings Plus (HBP) (Statewide): This is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid-funded prenatal care program. It offers free pregnancy-related healthcare including prenatal visits, nutrition counseling, childbirth education, and postpartum support for low-income women. HBP also helps pregnant individuals access social services, housing referrals, and more.
Real Alternatives(Statewide): A Pennsylvania-funded program offering free pregnancy support services through a network of non-profits across the state. Services include counseling, parenting education, baby items, and housing referrals. Real Alternatives is aimed at helping women carry their pregnancies to term in a safe, supported way.
Adagio Health (Pittsburgh-based – Western Pennsylvania): Adagio Health provides low- to no-cost reproductive health care, including prenatal care, STD testing, and nutrition programs. They also offer education and support for teen moms and pregnant women, with additional outreach in rural communities and underserved populations.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) (Operates in multiple PA counties): This evidence-based, home-visiting program pairs first-time, low-income pregnant women with registered nurses who provide regular visits through pregnancy until the child turns two. NFP supports maternal health, child development, and long-term economic outcomes.

These pregnant mom programs aim to provide you with emotional support, access to healthcare, and information to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.

Government Assistance for Pregnant Mothers in PA

If you’re worried about money, there are government programs for pregnant women in Pennsylvania that may offer the support you need. These include:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (Statewide): TANF provides monthly cash assistance to low-income families, including pregnant women, to help cover essential needs like housing, utilities, clothing, and food. Pregnant women with no other children may qualify if in their third trimester or experiencing complications that prevent them from working.
Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance) (Statewide): PA Medicaid covers prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for income-qualified pregnant women. Eligibility is based on income, and coverage can start immediately upon applying, with retroactive benefits available in some cases.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Statewide): SNAP helps low-income individuals and families—including pregnant women—buy groceries through an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. SNAP ensures access to nutritious food to support a healthy pregnancy and growing family.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) (Statewide): WIC provides free supplemental food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for healthcare and social services. It is specifically designed for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children at nutritional risk.
Healthy Beginnings Plus (HBP) (Statewide): HBP is Pennsylvania’s enhanced Medicaid prenatal care program offering comprehensive pregnancy-related services like prenatal visits, case management, childbirth classes, and postnatal support—all at no cost to qualifying individuals.

These assistance programs for pregnant mothers are often income-based and can provide vital help during and after your pregnancy.

Help for Pregnant Moms with No Support System

It can be incredibly difficult to face pregnancy without a support system. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has programs for pregnant mothers who are alone, including:

Birthright International (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton): Birthright offers 24/7 confidential support, pregnancy counseling, and practical assistance like maternity and baby items. Their goal is to provide unconditional support to women facing unplanned pregnancies—no matter their circumstances.
Mothers’ Home (Darby, PA – Delaware County): Mothers’ Home is a maternity residence for pregnant women in crisis, especially those experiencing homelessness or abuse. The program offers safe housing, parenting education, and case management in a supportive community environment through pregnancy and early postpartum.
Catholic Charities Maternity and Parenting Services (Regional Offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Erie): Catholic Charities provides emergency housing referrals, counseling, parenting support, and material assistance for expectant mothers. Services vary by region but often include maternity shelter partnerships and adoption support.
Bethany Christian Services – Safe Families for Children (Allentown, Philadelphia, Mechanicsburg): This program connects pregnant women with host families who provide short-term housing and support while the mother works toward stability. It's a non-custodial, voluntary placement aimed at keeping families together and avoiding foster care.
PA 211 (Statewide ): PA 211 is a free, confidential 24/7 hotline and online directory connecting individuals with local resources, including emergency shelter, food, medical care, and pregnancy-related services. Available by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website.

If you're feeling isolated or unsafe, please know that help is available.

How Adoption Agencies Support Expecting Mothers

If adoption could be right for your situation, American Adoptions is a full-service, national adoption agency with over 30 years of experience helping women in Pennsylvania.

When you choose adoption through our agency, you may be eligible for financial assistance that covers:

But our support goes beyond the financial. We also provide:

24/7 counseling and emotional support
The largest selection of screened adoptive families
Help creating a personalized adoption plan
Ongoing contact with your child (if you choose an open adoption)

Private and Faith-Based Pregnancy Support Options

In addition to state-run programs, there are many pregnant mom programs offered by churches, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits throughout Pennsylvania.

Morning Star Pregnancy Services (Harrisburg, PA – With additional locations in New Cumberland and Middletown): Offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, parenting education, and post-abortion recovery support. As a Christian-based organization, they serve women facing unplanned pregnancies with care, dignity, and respect—no insurance or income requirements needed.
A Woman’s Concern (Lancaster, PA): Provides free and confidential pregnancy services, including medical-grade pregnancy testing, prenatal education, parenting classes, and material aid. Rooted in Christian values, they empower women through nonjudgmental care and long-term support.
Genesis of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA): Offers housing, counseling, parenting support, and life-skills training for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Their Genesis House maternity residence serves homeless or at-risk pregnant women in a faith-centered environment, helping them rebuild stability.
Women’s Care Center (Erie, PA – Multiple locations in the region): A Catholic-affiliated center providing free ultrasounds, counseling, parenting classes, baby supplies, and long-term emotional support. They focus on life-affirming guidance, supporting women from early pregnancy through parenting.
Bridge of Hope (Statewide – Locations in Southeastern PA, Harrisburg Area, and Central PA): Works through local churches to provide housing assistance, mentoring, and case management for homeless pregnant women and single mothers. Their faith-based model empowers women to achieve long-term stability through supportive relationships and community connection.

These programs for pregnant young mothers offer an additional layer of emotional and practical support in your community.

Adoption as a Loving and Supported Choice

No matter your circumstances, adoption is always an option.

If you're not ready to parent but want your baby to have a safe and loving home, adoption through American Adoptions allows you to take control of your situation and create a brighter future.

Here’s what adoption can offer you:

Our adoption specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take the next steps. Whether you're in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, or anywhere in between, our Pennsylvania team is here for you.

Schedule a free consultation today and get the support you deserve.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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