when should you start prenatal care?

Question

im about 5 and half weeks pregnant. i dont have any health care but im taking prenatal vitamins and im going to fill out an application for medicare. i dont know how long that is going to take though. am i missing out on important care or is it still early enough? i just really want my baby to be healthy and i cant find anything on the internet that says when prenatal care is suppose to start. thank you

no rude comments please

Answer 1

about the insurance - there are drs afiliated with the hospitals sometimes or local clinics that will provide care with your insurance w/ medicaid pending - if approved for medicaid they will pay incured medical bills from date of application. They also might (MIGHT) because you are pregnant get you coverage sooner rather than later. depends on the county and the state you are in i think -


Now about the prenatal care - below is an article - but know that if you are doing what is right - eating right - not smoking or drinking not being check for at exactly 8 weeks is not a crime. Heck I didn't know I was even pregnant with my first untill I was almost 11&1/2 weeks - (still had my period believe it or not for the first 3 months of pregnaancy) I though that something was wrong as I felt all run down... well duah...

But the sooner you can make an appointment the better - you can also go through planned parenthood for your prenatal care - they have sliding scale fees based upon what you tell them you earn.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU !!

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/9344.html#0

As soon as you suspect you're pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor or midwife. (If you haven't chosen a healthcare practitioner yet, this is the time to find one!) Even if you've confirmed your pregnancy with a home test, it's wise to follow up with a professional physical examination so you can begin getting prenatal care.

Most practitioners won't schedule a visit until you're about eight weeks pregnant, unless you have a medical condition, have had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having problems now such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or severe nausea and vomiting. Also, if you're taking any medications or think you may have been exposed to hazardous substances, ask to speak to the doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

Your first visit will probably be the longest one you have with your caregiver, unless you encounter problems along the way. For all your prenatal checkups, be prepared with questions regarding anything you might be wondering about. Here's what you can expect your doctor or midwife to do this time:

Answer 2

From what I can tell, you are doing everything right. Taking the prenatal vitamins is a great way to get started. The only thing the doctor really does at this point is tell you to take the vitamins if it is necessary and not to drink or smoke. They'll also talk to you about some of your decisions and options. Not a whole lot of other care, though. That comes when you are a little further along. Congrats and good luck!!

Answer 3

This is probably the most important time to begin your prenatal care. This is a critical time for not only the baby but your body as well. I would suggest going to a local clinic. When you are pregnant if you qualify for Medi-cal they give it to you almost immediately or will retro your coverage so that way you don't have to pay for those services. Very good that you're taking your prenatal vitamins! Awesome step, good luck and take care!

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
when should you start prenatal care?
im about 5 and half weeks pregnant. i dont have any health care but im taking prenatal vitamins and im going to fill out an application for medicare. i dont know how long that is going to take though. am i missing out on important care or is it still early enough? i just really want my baby to be...

Answer 5

I'd suggest a local health clinic, which can provide low cost or free care. I'm 5 weeks & just had my first appointment today. Depending on the state, the medicare application can take some time. I've known peolpe to get it with a couple weeks, others take a few months. Even if you do get the coverage quickly, you may want to go ahead & call for an appointment. Alot of places have a waiting list, one told me the earliest they would be able to even confirm my pregnancy was the 2nd week of May, when I would have been about 13 weeks along.

Answer 6

you should be ok if your taking your prenatal vitamins, In all 3 of my pregnancies I didnt start prenatal care until I was 3 months pregnant but they start doing serious tests around your second trimester, and medicaid usually takes about 30 days to approve you but if you see a doctor before then and you havent been approved yet welfare will usually ask you if there is any medical bills you want them to cover in the last 3 months, well that how it works in Nevada

Answer 7

You should call and schedule the first appointment. It can take a couple of weeks to get in, and the doctor will want to start seeing you when you are around 8 weeks pregnant. I've never been on medicaid, but I've heard that for the month you're approved it covers everything for the month even if you've seen the doc earlier than your approval came through. So try to schedule and appointment for early May.

Answer 8

Find a doctor that accepts medi-care and start going even if you don't have the insurance yet. Your doctor needs to give you a pap-smear and an ultra sound and some blood work so you and your new little one are safe. Best Of Luck!

Answer 9

I believe the earlier you start care the better. there are alot of things that need to be tested early on to make sure all is well . This is for both you and the baby's health .
Also check with your medicare person as to how far back they will cover doctor visits . Sometimes they go back as for as 3 months .If so go to the doctor right away.
and good luck to you both!!

Answer 10

idealy befor your even preg. so get going! even if you can't get an apt. right away make sure you get your vit. and take good care of yourself by eating healthy adn avioding drugs/smoking/alcohol as always. your frist apt isn't usually until 8 weeks anyways so your still okay your trying your best and you knwo that prenatal care is important do what you can. good luck