There is help out there for both you and your baby. Here's where to find help if you are pregnant and uninsured.
1. Look into Medicaid. It's almost impossible to get Medicaid as an adult unless you're pregnant, but expectant moms in need can usually receive this government-funded health insurance. The income limit for pregnancy-related Medicaid is relatively high compared to other government assistance programs, so you can probably qualify for Medicaid if you are truly unable to afford your own health insurance.
2. Call your local health department. Your county's health department may provide some degree of prenatal care even if your income is not low enough to qualify for Medicaid. If they do not offer services for you, they may refer you to a local Planned Parenthood or similar clinic. These provide prenatal care on a sliding scale basis; people with low income and no insurance may be asked to pay little or nothing.
3. Call individual offices. Call offices for physicians and midwives around your area to find out their policies for uninsured pregnant women. Many-- if not most-- midwives will accept clients who do not have health insurace, provided you can pay out of pocket. They may offer a sliding scale payment system. It may be harder to find a private obstetrician who works on a sliding scale, but it's worth calling around to find out.
4. Go to the E.R. By law, a hospital emergency room is required to see you-- if you come there when you are in labor or dealing with a pregnancy-related emergency. If you believe that you are experiencing any kind of problem in your pregnancy that may threaten your life or the life of your unborn baby, go to the E.R. for treatment. You might get saddled with a large bill, but it beats losing your baby or your own life. Similarly, if you are in labor, an obstetrician will see you via the emergency room and you will get the same degree of treatment that an insured pregnant woman would receive.
Pregnancy is a joyful time, and you shouldn't let lack of insurance keep you from enjoying this magical stage in your life. You do not have to go through pregnancy without any prenatal care just because you don't have health insurance. Congratulations and good luck on your journey into motherhood!