I am 32 weeks I have not seen a doctor. Should I wait and just go to the hospital when I am in labor?

Question

I have no insurance. I am unemployed. I applied for medicaid. I have gotten nowhere with them. I have gained 32 pounds. I have been taking prenatal vitamins. I seem to be pretty healthy considering I am 38 and this is my 5th child. I am worried this will be concieved as abuse. What should I do? Help!

Answer 1

I think the health department (if you're in the US) will cover this. I can't think of any that don't. Also, some Planned Parenthoods do prenatal care on a sliding scale or free. Call around to find out which ones in your area do.

Answer 2

I am 35 weeks pregnet and didn't have insurance when I found out. I went to the department of human services with no questions except a show of a pregnancy test (positive) and told them I had no insurance. All the lady asked me is if I had insurance I said no my job since I wasn't full time didn't offer any. I hate doctors like you could not believe. I found out at 8 weeks I had an infection had no symptoms was treated and now the baby will be fine. All I know if I didn't get treated it would have been passed to the baby at birth. There has to be some organization that would help even if it is a few weeks before it might save you and your baby some troubles. I wish you the best of luck good luck on your little one.

Answer 3

Oh my, this is probably not good that you have waited for this long for prenatal care. Is there a low-cost prenatal clinic in your area? Can you call a local hospital to inquire? At this point you are most likely considered to be high-risk so I would not wait any longer. The OB-gyn that delivers you needs to have information about you for your and your unborn baby's health. Including, what your normal blood pressure range & pulse range is, what position your baby is in, do you have any past medical problems such as a blood disorder, etc, do you have Group B strep or an abnormal papsmear test..... You need to go see somebody. I can understand that you do not have the money. It is extremly difficult to be in this position. They cannot deny you medical care when you are pregnant (at least at a prenatal clinic or larger hospital.) You can pay back $3.00 per month through $5.00 per month towards your medical bill. Whatever you can afford.

Answer 4

Get Your Butt To The Doctor

Most Clinics will Fill Out The Paperwork For You

Its Dangerous Not To See A Doctor

There Could Be Something Really Wrong

Answer 5

You should be checked by a doctor. There should be some sort of services available for someone in your situation. I googled and got this admittedly old article about loans available from charity to help expectant mothers who have no medicare:

http://www.allbusiness.com/personal-finance/512294-1.html

There might be something similar in your state.

I don't know what state you are in, but you should google your state government, and state healthcare, women's charities and shelters, and so on. Maybe you've already done this.

Considering the elections going on right now, if I were you, I would write an open letter to my senator through the press about this. It's not the most tasteful way to go, but no one (and I speak as someone from a country where socialized healthcare makes your situation an impossibility) should be in your position. It's just wrong. This also sounds silly, but write to Oprah Winfrey -- she has a huge staff who probably field questions like this all the time. I'm sure if you email her, her staff will provide you with good information. At least it can't hurt to try while you're checking all the usual routes for help.

http://www2.oprah.com/email/email_landing.jhtml

www.oprah.com

Answer 6

Well, legally it is not considered abuse. Many women never go to the Dr. I do think it is wise to get checked out though. There are so many problems that could occur. Try your local health department. They usually know of what you can do. If you end up not being able to go at all, then make sure you count the kicks...It is vital that you make sure your baby is moving, it does slow down toward the end but it should never stop. If it does, get to the hospital ASAP...I know this because it happened to me...I know you have 5 kids, but that is just a very important thing. I know not having insurance is not easy, and I am sorry you are having so many problems getting it. Don't let it stress you out, that will not help the baby! I hope all goes well!!!

Answer 7

IN some states not seeking proper prenatal care is neglect and you could be charged at the birth of your baby. There is help out there Don't give up. For medicaid usually you have to see the doctor to prove that you are pregnant. Find A crisis pregnancy center. They do tests for free and sometimes even ultrasounds and they will be able to help you get medical care. If you can't take care of this baby now, how are you going to take care of it when it is born??

Answer 8

if you are unemployed, how can you get nowhere when applying for medicaid. thats a cop out. you need to see a doctor ASAP. You are 38 & already have kids.. shame on you for assuming all is well. you should KNOW better !!! you run a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.
you are over 35, which means you need tons of testing during your pregnancy. you also need an ultrasound!! just because YOU feel fine doesnt mean your baby is.
please make that phone call. no hospital can turn you away . if all else fails, call them.. tell them how far along you are and you need help. look in the yellow pages. please seek help. im so worried for you & your baby. please email me if you want to talk further.
you are not alone.

Melissa

Answer 9

You can contact community services such as Planned Parenthood and women's health centers (listed in the Yellow Pages under "pregnancy counseling services"). Many of these agencies can provide some free care, and most will offer services on a sliding scale "pay-what-you-can" basis
Contact your county welfare office (listed in the often blue government pages of your telephone directory) and ask to speak with a counselor or caseworker. It's far better to apply and be rejected than not to apply and miss out on this program. After the baby is born, ask the county welfare office about the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low-cost insurance coverage.

Answer 10

Is there no other option for a US citizen other than private insurance. Are you and other people like you dieing in the streets for lack of hospital health care? Isn't there any clinic or hospital that will treat the uninsured? If not how can so many of you have survived this far? There must be someone who treats the human beings... Good Luck with that.