Family planning with an FSA

Planning for a family can be an exciting time. Through the stages of conception to the birth of your baby, there will be lots ahead of you, and health will play an important part of that.

Did you know that your Flexible Spending Account can help with it all? Many family planning expenses are covered with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA). The need for these family planning expenses will depend on conversations on long term plans you have with your spouse and other family members.

Here are 5 categories of Family Planning with an FSA to keep in mind:

Pregnancy and Fertility Tests

If you think you might be pregnant, then FSA Store has an array of pregnancy or fertility test to ascertain your suspicions. For actively trying to become pregnant, try doing ovulation test so you can determine when your fertile window is. Find out your peak fertility days by beginning testing immediately the day after your period ends.

Prenatal Vitamins

During pregnancy be sure to pick up some vitamins to provide a multi-vitamin formula with an excellent source of folic acid and DHA. Healthful diets with folate may reduce a woman's risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord birth defect. Depending on the brand, vitamins may also contain nourishing minerals and super foods that promote general healthy development of the baby and support mom's nutrition and energy.

Breast Pumps and Accessories

If you plan on feeding your baby breast milk, it will help to purchase breast pumps, storage solutions, and other accessories to make the process painless and efficient. You can opt for a manual pump or electric pump. Medela offers storage solutions in the form of bags or bottles. Try out one of their breastfeeding bustiers for hands free pumping, allowing you to go about your activities while you pump.

Baby Thermometers

Infants get sick more often because natural killer cells, like many other immune cells, do not completely mature until adulthood. It's important to have an accurate and fast thermometer to check on your baby when you think he or she might be coming down with an illness.

Baby Sunscreen

Protect your baby from the sun's UV rays using baby sunscreen which is specifically made for more sensitive skin.

Learn about additional family planning services and products via our Eligibility List. It will also be a good idea to ask your FSA administrator about the specific guidelines in place for your plan.