Many new female life insurance applicants are concerned about life insurance during pregnancy. Am I eligible? What kind of complications apply? If I am pregnant, what resources are available on how to choose life insurance?

Most often applicants are told that it is preferable to get life insurance is before you give birth. What conditions do insurers consider before your pregnancy that you must think about as you figure out how to choose life insurance?

As you think about life insurance during pregnancy, the first question to ask is, “Are you pregnant now?” When you have a normal pregnancy and have low risk factors, you can get life insurance during pregnancy. You will have to release your medical records to the underwriter during your application, which takes a few weeks.

The insurer will be looking at your weight and compare your current weight against your old to make sure that you have gained enough weight since you got pregnant. They will also check that your pregnancy is free of complications. In pregnancy, complications that the insurer is looking for includes an ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. In the first, ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg gets attached elsewhere than the uterus, causing pain and can be serious. For this, you must be prepared to share detailed medical records and go for regular doctor check-ins. Sometimes, you still may not be eligible till you have delivered. Gestational diabetes, usually disappears after you have your baby but is of concern because it means that you may have diabetes later in life, which can also put you at risk for other problems. Preeclampsia is usually detected by high blood pressure. Get a life insurance quote when you are pregnant. If you do have complications, you might still be eligible to receive insurance and if not, you can always get it after your baby is born in order to have a lower premium rate. Hence, as you think about how to choose life insurance, there are several things you must think about if you are pregnant.