I dont know what I am going to do..I am only 18 and I am about 8 weeks pregnant and I just found out that my insurance (CDPHP through Medicaid) wont cover and epidural ..only if the doctor deems it "Medically Necessary" ..which means (and I asked) that they wont just give it to me for pain. I'm not sure where to go from here..Im in school and dont work full time and therefore cant get insurance through my job and my grandmother said that even if i were to get a different insurance that they wont cover a "pre-exisiting condition",and I that I would of had to have insurance for 10 months prior to getting pregnant? My grandmother also is begging me to get an abortion and I think maybe she is saying this on purpose? Please help!
2007-10-23 07:36:47 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I've seen this work out for a friend in a similar situation: Try contacting the anesthesiologist's office directly, explain your situation to them, and see if it is possible to work out a reduced rate and a payment plan for the epidural. Best wishes....I hope this all works out well for you and your baby!
2007-10-23 08:09:15 · answer #1 · answered by Nonya B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your grandmother is correct about the insurance, my insurance said I'd have to have consistent coverage six months prior.
I think you should separate the insurance and medical issues (like an epidural) from the decision to have a baby. Make the decision for yourself (your grandmother doesn't have to live with the desicion, YOU do). Planned Parenthood and many other groups can point you to free counseling to better make your decision.
Many hospitals have free mom's groups where you can meet other pregnant women and talk about your fears, make new friends and get "real" advice.
If you have decided to keep the baby, then get yourself into your doctor and address your fears. The doctor will likely tell you that in the event of prolonged or difficult labor they will order an epidural.
As a side note, I did not have an epidural with my son, and I don't plan to with my 2nd. I'm not a hero, I just heard from moms that they felt WAY better afterwards without an epidural.
2007-10-23 14:47:49 · answer #2 · answered by eli_star 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't obsess at all. Discuss this fear with your doctor. If your doctor says they won't allow it then change doctor's. I have personally been in the delivery room with a woman on medicare and she definately recieved an epidural. Being that you are so young, your hips are probably not as wide or developed as an older woman which may consititute a medical necessity. There are so many other things to consider at this stage of your pregnancy. Trust me darling.... if you need one.... you'll get one. Otherwise you'll have a great case for a lawsuit in which you can claim cruel and unusual punishment. Also.... in the worst case scenario, they can give you an epidural and just bill you. You should consider the possiblity of a natural childbirth anyway. It's better for the both of you.
What's more important to consider right now is how you are going to be a great mom at such a young age. How are you going to manage? Develop a plan... you're gonna need one.
It also sounds like you want to keep your baby.... if so, don't let anyone else convice you to abort.... you'll regret it. A woman should only have an abortion if it is what SHE has decided completely on her own.
Good luck darling.... you are not alone... many blessings!
2007-10-23 14:53:38 · answer #3 · answered by Uhuru 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
don't panic.... not having an epidural isn't the end of the world. I had a 6 lb. 13 oz. baby with an epidural and then 3 years later had a 9 lb. 15 3/4 oz. baby without one and the better of the two deliveries was the bigger baby.... I would not have another epidural unless I had to... once baby is ready and your are dilated to 10 things happen so fast you don't need an epidural and you never know the doctor may deem it necessary and this worry is all for nothing.... you have a long way to go.... don't stress over this.... everything will be fine.
2007-10-23 14:48:02 · answer #4 · answered by ganagup 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're stressing too much over nothing! You would be surprised what your body can do! I have a terrible time with normal pain (I couldn't stand having gallbladder attacks, they just about killed me!) but I had my first with just a shot of demerol and my second completely natural and she was 10lbs!!! As long as you are well educated in the birth process and what it entails you should do fine. Learn breathing techniques and ways to cope with the pain without meds.
Try and find out what pain relief your insurance does cover (epidurals are not all that's out there!) and make a decision after you have researched your options, you may find something else with less side effects and interventions!
And don't think I'm biased because I had two natural births, I also had an emergency c-section with an epidural and have to have a scheduled c-section with this pregnancy. Epidurals are o.k. but there are other options out there for vaginal births.
Just be informed of the other options available to you and good luck!!
2007-10-23 14:54:36 · answer #5 · answered by jujube 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, unless you get a full time job, your pregnancy will be considered a pre-existing condition. When you join a company they have open enrollment and that is when you can join a plan regardless of whatever your medical condition is.
My suggestion is that you take some birthing classes for pain management so that you can be prepared. And you never know, I was not planning to have an epidural, but my doctor said it was medically necessary. You should look into coverage on other types of pain medications and management and talk to your doctors aout it, they will help you come up with a plan that will work for you! Good luck!
2007-10-23 14:44:46 · answer #6 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that pregnancy is included in pre-existing conditions. Also, this being your 1st, you could be in for a long delivery and there is a good chance that your dr. will deem it necessary! But, it's not as painful as you might think. You could go quick, I gave birth in 42 mins. with my 1st, 50 with my 2nd and 13 with my 3rd. I didn't know what to expect with my 1st, so I said if it was too painful I might have an epidural, but then it wasn't that bad so I didn't and I was happy that I didn't! Ask your OB what the chances are that they will deem it necessary? Otherwise, wait and see. There are other pain meds they can give you through IV that ease the pain as well. Good luck!
2007-10-23 14:45:07 · answer #7 · answered by Jennifer E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need an epidural to have a baby.
Unless you end up having a c-section, you do not need meds to help you not feel the pain. Pain is a part of childbirth. Find someone to help and coach you during labor. Massage, coaching, and putting yourself in a different place can help. Practice meditating and putting yourself somewhere else. Try sitting in a bathtub during labor, this can help as well. Also, exercise! Women who are fit physically generally have faster, easier labors because they are physically fit to handle it.
Think of labor like a long running marathon. Would you train for a marathon? Of course! You should do the same with this labor.
2007-10-23 14:52:04 · answer #8 · answered by Due March 9th, 2010 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have also used the Bradley method and had 6 natural childbirths. It was painful, although it was temporary and bearable. I never heard that Medicaid wouldn't pay for an epidural. Can you appeal that? Where is the father? Ask him to contribute financially to the birth. Good luck.
2007-10-23 14:48:33 · answer #9 · answered by Dee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Research the Bradley method. I have had four kids with no pain medication. Over 90% of those who use the Bradley method do not need pain medication. It really works. I have had hunger pains before that were worse than labor.
2007-10-23 14:43:04 · answer #10 · answered by pennypincher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋