[Robustus]

So my wife is pregnant, which we're excited about. Just trying to research the best care options for us. We're both self-employed, and picked up private health insurance two months ago. Unfortunately there's a 12 month waiting period before it'll cover pregnancy or birth. We can handle out of pocket, but obviously we want to do this as affordably as possible.

Anybody have any suggestions? Clearly we'll be seeking advice from doctors, but I just wanted to do as much research as possible, so I figured I'd solicit some leads here too.

Thanks.

[macgeek]

I think a In home midwife, birth care giver would be your best option.

Jonathan

[justthe2ofus]

yes, i'd be looking into a doula.

congrats!

[laysayfair]

Originally Posted by macgeek

I think a In home midwife, birth care giver would be your best option.

Jonathan

I agree. That's what I did.

[SportyandMisty]

Congratulations!

Perhaps the most important thing to do right now is for your wife to start on pre-natal vitamins. Most are over-the-counter although a doctor might suggest a specific type that is prescription only.

See for example:

Pregnancy and prenatal vitamins
Prenatal vitamins: Give your baby the best start - MayoClinic.com

The next most important thing to do is to determine if she is a normal-risk or high-risk expectant mother. See for example:

Health Problems in Pregnancy: MedlinePlus

Pay special care to "gestational diabetes", where your otherwise healthy wife might become diabetic.

Best of luck!

[laysayfair]

Originally Posted by Robustus

So my wife is pregnant, which we're excited about. Just trying to research the best care options for us. We're both self-employed, and picked up private health insurance two months ago. Unfortunately there's a 12 month waiting period before it'll cover pregnancy or birth. We can handle out of pocket, but obviously we want to do this as affordably as possible.

Anybody have any suggestions? Clearly we'll be seeking advice from doctors, but I just wanted to do as much research as possible, so I figured I'd solicit some leads here too.

Thanks.

Get some books on Home Birth from the library, bookstore or Amazon. Once you get on the hospital path it's hard to get off. They make you feel like it's your only choice. Lots of vested interest in the hospital but there's very little money to be made if you have you're baby at home. There's some good videos on it as well.

[kimba01]

Congratulations!

[trisha0608]

Congratulations!

I would imagine if you talked with a doctors office (if that is the route you wanna choose) they might work out a payment plan?

A side note I had no insurance my last pregnancy and didn't get insurance till I was over 5mo and had a hard time finding a doctor that would take me. Not sure if that is just those particular offices policies or common practice even. Just thought I would put that out there in case you planned on waiting to go to the doctors.

Best of luck and congrats again! =)

[baily23]

with the pregnancy

[ScoopLV]

I'm assuming you two have already talked with your wife's OB/GYN? A good starting point, at least.

I wouldn't bother with internet fora for this one.