Hooray! You’re in the honeymoon phase of your pregnancy now! The nausea is probably gone or merely lingering, and hopefully you’ve got some energy back too. As you start to show this trimester, you may find yourself thinking more about your baby growing inside and wondering what decisions about testing lie ahead. Hopefully, you feel comfortable discussing testing options with your provider (and if you’re not, you may want to find a different one!) This article breaks down all the possible tests you’ll be faced with during the second trimester of your pregnancy. Genetic Screening The American College of OB-GYNs (ACOG) and American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) both recommend that all women and their families be offered both genetic screening and diagnostic testing during pregnancy. However, just because testing is an option doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. Deciding whether or not to do genetic tests during pregnancy can be an overwhelming process–the first of many decisions you’ll have to make as parents down the road. Screening tests vs. Diagnostic tests First, it’s important to realize that there are two types of genetic tests that can be done during pregnancy: screening tests and diagnostic tests. Screening tests determine the likelihood of a pregnant woman having a baby with certain conditions–in other words, these tests can tell us if she might have a baby with a condition versus if she probably won’t. Diagnostic tests are more certain–they tell us for sure if a baby has a specific genetic condition. In general, screening tests tend to be less invasive than diagnostic tests. Also keep in mind that genetic tests can only give us information about conditions that are transferred genetically–they can’t provide any information about congenital problems, which are problems that occur during the baby’s development in the womb and are unrelated to genes. Triple Screen/Quad Screen (15-20 weeks) (You may also heard it be called the “sequential two” or the “second trimester screen” or “AFP plus.”) What it is? The triple screen and quad screen are two types of multiple marker tests that check levels of specific hormones and proteins in the mother’s bloodstream. The specific substances in mind are: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): protein made by your growing baby Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG): a hormone made by the placenta (the same one that gave you those two lines on your pregnancy test!) Estriol: a hormone made by the placenta and the baby’s liver Inhibin A: another hormone made by the placenta (only for the quad screen, not the triple screen) How is it done? Like other forms of first trimester screening that you may have done, the triple screen and quad screen are very non-invasive and only involve obtaining a sample of blood from the mother. From the sample of blood, levels of the hormones and proteins as listed above are determined to give you with a relative risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome, trisomy 18, neural tube defects (such as spina bifida or anencephaly), or problems with development of the abdominal wall. Inhibin A helps to enhance the detection of Down syndrome, so the quad test may be preferred if you have a family history or are over age 35, which is when the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome drastically increases. Detection rates for Down syndrome may be even higher if the results of second trimester genetic screening are combined with first trimester screening results. The test detects about 75% of neural tube defects and 75-90% of cases of Down syndrome. About 3-5% of women will have an abnormal result, but a much smaller percentage will actually have a baby with a problem. In other words, the test may produce a false positive. How to prepare You won’t have to do much to prepare for the blood draw–just show up! Most of your preparation will be deciding whether or not you’d like to do the test and what you’ll do with the results. Did you do screening in the first trimester? Depending on which screening and if results were normal, screening during the second trimester may not be a priority for you. What will you do if the test says that there may be an abnormality? Will you confirm with more invasive diagnostic testing, such as an amniocentesis? Will knowing that your baby has an abnormality help you with making plans for your pregnancy and/or delivery? Amniocentesis (15-18 weeks) What it is? Although amniocentesis can technically be done anytime, it is usually performed around 15-18 weeks. It is a diagnostic test, which means that it provides highly accurate information about your baby’s genetics at the cost of being more invasive than a screening test. In addition to diagnosing genetic abnormalities, amniocentesis can also diagnose other problems such as anencephaly (when the baby’s forebrain doesn’t develop properly), spina bifida, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and others. The test detects about 99% of neural tube defects and nearly 100% of all genetic abnormalities, so it’s extremely accurate (but also invasive). You can also use this test to find out the baby’s gender, although if that’s all you need to know there are much less invasive methods! Amniocentesis may be done all by itself or may follow an abnormal first or second trimester genetic screening test or abnormal anatomy ultrasound. How is it done? Using an ultrasound, the doctor locates the placenta and fetus. Local anesthetic is applied to the area where a needle will be inserted through the abdomen into the uterus to remove a small sample (about one ounce) of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. You may feel menstrual-like cramping during or after the procedure; the risk of miscarriage is less than 1%. Other risks include injury to you or the baby, infection, or preterm labor. How to prepare? If you are having an amniocentesis because of an abnormal genetic screening result or a problem found on ultrasound, it may be important to you to have good emotional support during the procedure. The results will take 2-3 weeks to come back, but just having someone with you for the actual event may help to put your mind at ease. Plan to take it easy after the amniocentesis, but you should be able to resume your normal activities the next day. Consider what you’ll do with the results of the amniocentesis, like all other pregnancy testing. Anatomy Ultrasound (around 18-22 weeks) What it is? The anatomy ultrasound is a standard of prenatal care that is offered to the vast majority of women in the United States. It’s usually done around 20 weeks, give or take, and serves to examine the baby’s full anatomy. At mid-pregnancy, pretty much all of the major organs are developed and the baby is still small enough that it is easy to see everything. Ultrasounds earlier than 22 weeks may result in needing another ultrasound if not all of the anatomy can be visualized, and ultrasounds later on are not as accurate because it can be hard to visualize and make measurements as the baby grows. So it’s best to push off the 20 week ultrasound to the 22nd week. Most providers have no issue with this. The anatomy ultrasound can detect both genetic abnormalities (assuming they produce abnormalities that can be visualized in the developing baby) as well as congenital abnormalities (problems with the development of the baby that are unrelated to genetics). The anatomy ultrasound also examines the location of the placenta to make sure it is not too close to or covering the cervix and measures amniotic fluid levels. The anatomy ultrasound is also the one in which couples can find out the sex of the baby. Here’s more information on baby ultrasounds. How is it done? By now, the baby is big enough that everything can be seen with an abdominal ultrasound, and there will be no need to ensure a full bladder prior to the procedure. Many women want to bring their partner, children, or other important people in their lives to the anatomy ultrasound to take a peek at the baby, so you may want to make plans for that. Depending on the skill of the ultrasonographer and cooperation of your little sweet pea, the anatomy scan usually takes about 30 minutes. Some places are now offering 3D ultrasounds, which provide a clearer picture of the baby; however, there is no evidence that these ultrasounds actually detect abnormalities any better and there is no specific research about the safety of 2D versus 3D ultrasound imaging. Best to avoid! How to prepare? Even though the anatomy scan is a standard offering, you still get to decide if it is something you want to do. A number of studies have compared the efficacy of ultrasound in detecting abnormalities and preventing problems with the pregnancy. In all honesty, the results are pretty inconclusive. In general, routine ultrasounds have not been found to improve pregnancy outcomes, and there are no professional organizations that recommend routine or casual ultrasound screening. So stay away from those “keepsake” ultrasound places! If you want one ultrasound to check on the growth and development of the baby or to find out the gender, this is the one to do. If you’re concerned about the risks of ultrasound, you can try to find an experienced ultrasonographer who will be in and out quickly. As with other pregnancy testing, you’ll have to decide how to respond if the anatomy scan picks up an abnormality with the baby. Perhaps you would rather remain in blissful ignorance and decline the ultrasound all together, or perhaps you would just like to be able to plan and prepare for a baby who may have special needs even if it doesn’t change much about the course of your pregnancy or your chosen place of delivery. It really is a personal choice. CBC Blood Test (24-26 weeks) What is it? This is a standard blood test to again look at your iron levels, vitamin D status and thyroid function. These are important to be in optimal range as you continue on with your pregnancy. How is it done? It’s a simple blood draw. How do I prepare? No preparation is necessary .embed-pin { margin: 0.5rem 0 2.4rem 2.4rem; padding-right:3px; float:right; } @media only screen and (max-width: 460px) { .embed-pin { margin: 2.4rem 0; padding-right:0; float:none; text-align: center; } } Glucose Screening (24-28 weeks) (Might also be called a glucose tolerance test or GTT.) What is it? Glucose screening, or the “diabetes test” is a test that determines if you have gestational diabetes. It is important to check for gestational diabetes because there can be problems for you or your baby if you have it and it is not well-controlled with diet or medications. Women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to give birth to large babies and have problems with the delivery, including shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck) or difficulty breastfeeding. These women are also more likely to develop type II diabetes later in life. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may have problems regulating their blood sugar after birth and have an increased risk of obesity in the future. How is it done? Traditionally, the test has been done using a “Glucola” drink that is bright orange in color (yikes–food dyes!) and is loaded with a lot of other potentially toxic ingredients. In reality, anything that contains 50g of sugar can be used for the test–some midwives recommend orange juice or jelly beans (the natural food dye ones!). An hour after consuming the beverage or sugary food, your blood will be drawn to determine the glucose level. Women with gestational diabetes will have high levels of glucose in their blood. Some women will test in an intermediate range and have to repeat the test over a 3 hour period to determine whether or not they have gestational diabetes. How to prepare? You are not required to fast prior to the gestational diabetes screening, although some providers will tell you to do so. Fasting and then drinking a sugary beverage on an empty stomach without protein to help balance the sugar may lead to higher glucose levels in your bloodstream. Some midwives also recommend you carb or sugar-load (I know, it sounds crazy!) for two to three days prior to the test so that your body gets used to processing sugars. This might help women who eat a very clean diet because consuming so much sugar in such a short amount of time may be very unnatural and their body may struggle to bring blood sugar levels back to normal. You can also decline the gestational diabetes screening test if you wish. In fact, the American College of OB-GYNs (ACOG) says that women who are low risk do not need to be tested. In other words, if you meet most or all of the following criteria, your risk for gestational diabetes is extremely low: < 25 years old Normal body weight No family history of diabetes Not in a high risk racial or ethnic group No history of abnormal glucose levels No previous history of adverse pregnancy outcome associated with gestational diabetes Good luck with your second trimester tests! Wow! There’s a lot going on in that second trimester. Pregnancy testing options can be very overwhelming, so it’s helpful to have a doctor or midwife that you know is on the same page as you. Be sure to bring your questions and concerns to their attention so that you can continue to have a healthy, low-intervention pregnancy. First Trimester Tests Third Trimester Tests Share Pin Tweet Email Text
So you’re pregnant (congratulations!) and you’re wondering if you can continue to have sex during pregnancy as you normally do. And what about sex after pregnancy? Read on, mama. Read on. 😉 Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy? Most women who are healthy and low risk can continue to have sex during pregnancy without worry. The strong muscles of the uterine wall and the amniotic sac protect baby very well. The thick mucus plug that covers your cervix during pregnancy also protects the baby from infection. Sex in early pregnancy Some expectant parents worry that sex during pregnancy, particularly the first trimester, might cause a miscarriage. Early miscarriages are usually because of a chromosomal abnormality in baby or hormonal imbalances in mom, and having sex or performing other normal behaviors won’t prevent this. Keep in mind, some mamas won’t even want sex in first trimester due to nausea, morning sickness and intense fatigue. This will most likely pass and you will resume to your normal sex life in the “magic middle” of pregnancy. Talk to your partner to find ways to meet intimacy needs during this time. Sex in late pregnancy With a bigger belly, sex can become more difficult late in the third trimester. Get creative with positions or find other ways to be intimate and close to your partner. Keep in mind that semen contains prostaglandins, which are known to soften the cervix. Softening the cervix “ripens” and opens it, when, and only when, all biological factors are ready for delivery in normal, low-risk pregnancies. So don’t worry that having sex will create an early labor. Nipple stimulation can also work. The hormone Oxytocin is released during nipple stimulation. This is the same hormone used by hospitals to induce labor or during a caesarian. These two tactics can help naturally induce a mama over 40 weeks. Of course talk to your doctor and/or midwife on what’s best for you. Benefits of sex during pregnancy In fact, sex during pregnancy can have many advantages: It can provide protection from colds. A study found that sex boosts levels of IgA, an antibody that helps boost immune response. Orgasms during pregnancy strengthen the pelvic floor and uterine walls, which is good for labor and faster postpartum recovery. Can lower your blood pressure and stress level. It’s a good workout. Sex can increase your heart rate and uses various muscles which burns calories. And increased blood flow can mean better orgasms, more orgasms, and more interest in sex. Is it safe for my partner to give me oral sex? Yes, we’re going there 🙂 And yes, for the most part, oral sex during pregnancy is fine. However, there are some exceptions. If your partner has oral herpes he should not give you oral sex while he has an active outbreak or at all in the third trimester (outbreak or not). If your partner is HIV positive or you are unsure of his HIV status you may want to abstain from oral sex. Though the risk of contracting HIV from oral sex is low, it is still a possibility and, if contracted, HIV can easily be passed to your baby. And a random fact: Do not let your partner blow into your vagina. It can (very rarely) result in an air embolism, which is dangerous for both you and baby. Is it okay to use lubrication when I’m pregnant? Sure, but we do have a recommendation for you. We’re not crazy about conventional lube products, as they can irritate both partners. And of course, why place chemicals inside you when you’re carrying a baby? If you’re using condoms, it’s important to use a conventional, water-based lube as opposed to an oil-based lubrication. But if you’re pregnant and in a monogamous relationship, you’re probably not bothering with condoms. In which case, we recommend using good ol’ olive oil as a lubrication. It’s natural, healing to the skin, convenient, and works like a charm. Can orgasms trigger premature labor? Nope. Orgasms can cause uterine contractions but these contractions are normal and not like the ones you will feel during labor. In fact, uterine contractions after sex indicate you have a strong uterus which is very reassuring when you are going to be delivering a baby soon. .embed-pin { margin: 0.5rem 0 2.4rem 2.4rem; padding-right:3px; float:right; } @media only screen and (max-width: 460px) { .embed-pin { margin: 2.4rem 0; padding-right:0; float:none; text-align: center; } } Are there times when sex should be avoided during pregnancy? Your doctor or midwife might recommend abstaining from sex during pregnancy, also called pelvic rest, if: You have a history of preterm labor or premature birth You have unexplained vaginal bleeding Your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical insufficiency) Your placenta partly or completely covers your cervix (placenta previa) Your membranes have ruptured or you’re leaking amniotic fluid Your cervix is dilated My sex drive has changed since I got pregnant. Is this normal? Absolutely. Due to the physical and emotional changes you’re experiencing it’s completely normal to be totally uninterested in sex during pregnancy, extra interested or anything in between. It’s also possible that you will experience all of those at different times throughout the pregnancy! Though desire may fluctuate, many women report having more satisfying sex during pregnancy. One reason is the extra blood flow to the pelvic area which can intensify sensation and orgasm. Another might be that many women have a better self image while pregnant and find it easier to relax and enjoy sex. Yes, it’s true! Many women feel more confident with a baby bump than they did pre-pregnancy. After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex? Most doctors and midwives suggest waiting 6 weeks postpartum to resume having sex. Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth (ideally a gentle cesarean), your body needs time to heal. During the first weeks postpartum your cervix is closing and your uterine lining is healing. The slowing and ending of the flow of lochia signals that healing has finished or is almost finished. If you didn’t have any tearing and your bleeding has stopped before 6 weeks, your doctor or midwife may give you the go ahead to resume sexual intercourse. If you did have tearing or an episiotomy, and especially if you needed stitches, you’ll want to wait until those are fully healed so you may be advised to wait until your 6 week postpartum appointment to be sure the stitches and laceration have healed. That being said, many women aren’t ready for intercourse at 6 weeks postpartum. Some continue to feel discomfort or pain for a few months (consult your doctor if you have concerns). Though intercourse may be off limits for a short time, it’s completely safe for you to reach orgasm in other ways. Other women just don’t feel emotionally ready for intimacy yet. The stress and exhaustion of a new baby, coupled with constant breastfeeding, can make finding time for sex or the desire for sex next to impossible. Some women need to feel like their body is their own for awhile. Keep communicating with your partner about how you’re feeling and find ways to meet each others intimacy needs in other ways for now. References Feature, Kara. “10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex.” WebMD. WebMD. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. <http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sex-and-health>. “Oral Sex Risk Very Low, but Not Zero, Concludes Systematic Review.” HIV & AIDS Information. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. <http://www.aidsmap.com/Oral-sex-risk-very-low-but-not-zero-concludes-systematic-review/page/1432786/>. “Sex during Pregnancy: What’s OK, What’s Not.” Mayo Clinic. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sex-during-pregnancy/art-20045318?pg=2>. “Sexual Frequency and Salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA).” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15217036>. Share Pin Tweet Email Text
It’s here at last! The big day when you tell your friends and family that you’re expecting your little bundle of joy. How will you tell your friends and family the good news? We just may be able to make this aspect of pregnancy easier for you! We’ve compiled a list of the craftiest, most original, and heartfelt ways to announce the birth of your baby. Whether you want to go big or keep it simple, you’re sure to find pregnancy announcements that are right up your alley. Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: The Due Date Sign Many moms choose to go the sweet and simple route for pregnancy announcements, with a printed or hand-drawn sign announcing the arrival of their little one. (Need your most accurate due date? Use our advanced due date calculator.) A closeup shot of your hands or holding the sign near your growing baby bump is a surefire but simple way to announce to the world that your baby is on the way! Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: Expecting Sign Here’s a little update on the due date sign, where many couples weave in some humor. Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: The Mommy + Daddy One of our all time favorite baby announcements is a photo of the new mom and dad with text superimposed on the photo: “Photo Paper: $5, Postage: $0.41, Envelope: $0.05, The look on your face when you realize there are three of us in this photo: PRICELESS!” There are plenty of cute or silly Mommy + Daddy Announcements which are sure to get a chuckle or two along with an outpouring of well wishes. Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: Heart Pregnancy Announcement Ah, the hands in the shape of the heart on the belly. Doesn’t get any more classic (or common) than this. Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: One Plus Two Announcement One plus one equals three? That doesn’t add up… Oh wait, I see what you’re doing here. Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: The Coming Attraction One of the most popular pregnancy announcements, a Coming Attraction Announcement is sure to create a lot of excitement surrounding the “premiere” of your new baby. I’ve going to start with the coming attraction movie poster we did to announce Paloma’s birth! Here are more coming attraction pregnancy announcements. 🙂 Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: Horror Movie Poster For the couple that has darker tastes in movies. These Pregnancy Announcements Have Gone to the Dogs! When your four-legged friend is an integral part of your family, it only makes sense to enlist their help for the addition of a new family member! Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: The Whole Family These announcements are great for the family that already has at least one child. Sending out a photo of your first child wearing a shirt stating that they are the big sister/brother, or one explaining that your gang of “super heroes” will be gaining a new “sidekick” very soon is a great way to spread the excitement. One Two Three Announcement Middle Child Announcement Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: Superhero Announcement Oh snap! Big brother or sister are elevated to superhero status before baby comes. Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: The Shoes Photo This trend deserves a category of its own! Showcase the cutest pair of new infant booties, boots, or sneakers, and your friends and family may just break into a run from cute overload! Shoes Boots Announcement For the times when a simple shoe announcement just won’t cut it. Pregnancy Announcements: A Baby Changes Everything Life changes drastically when you become pregnant. Many couples choose to make their birth announcements by sending out photos of the different changes they’ve made. Examples include a photo of dad drinking as mom remains sober, or a photo of you surrounded by pregnancy craving foods such as ice cream and pickles. Hinting at the changes you’re making as a family in order to welcome your new addition is a fun way to break the news. Drinking for Two Announcement Junk Food Announcement Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: Twins! Shut the front door! Not only are you having a new baby, but you’ve found out you’re expecting twins! Twins Announcements usually allude to the shock of expecting twins instead of just one new baby, and your friends and family are sure to join in on the fun. Mom and Dad Twins Announcement Twins Due Announcement Older Sibling Twins Announcement Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: Sports Fans For die-hard sports fans, announce your new pregnancy with photos of an infant-sized sports jersey of your favorite team, or with a photo at your favorite stadium. Sports announcements are a way to raise excitement with the most important team of all: your friends and family. Jerseys Announcement Stadium Announcement Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: The Traveler A growing trend among couples is to book a babymoon in the first or usually second semester. Travel Announcements, in which you announce your pregnancy with photos from your travels, are fun and exciting and are sure to warm hearts. Hiking Pack Announcements Disney Announcements Beach Announcement How about you? Do you have ideas for pregnancy announcements that are not on our list? Comment below to share your best ideas! Share Pin Tweet Email Text
Raising a family is expensive. Baby gear, activities, saving for college; it all adds up fast, but did you know that a baby’s birth cost may be the largest bill in some mamas lives? Why does birth cost so much? And what can we do about it? We’ll unpack that all in this post. How much does birth cost? Midwifery care vs. OB care An analysis done by The New York Times showed that insurance companies in the U.S. agreed to an amount of about $10,000 for a vaginal birth and $15,000 for a c-section at a hospital. It’s important to note that the amount insurance companies agreed to is NOT the same as the amount hospitals charged, which was closer to $15,000 for a vaginal delivery and $30,000 for a c-section. These birth cost averages can fluctuate greatly between states and hospitals. Midwifery care, on the other hand, puts birth cost at about $2000-$4000 depending on where you live. This price includes prenatal care and often, a home visit after birth. You usually have to pay for extra interventions out of pocket but this also means you aren’t forced to pay for things you don’t want or need. Yep, that’s right. Choosing a hospital birth basically means you (or your insurance company) are forced to pay for things like: hospital grade personal care products, hospital logo merchandise, parenting DVDs and pamphlets, disposable diapers, formula, etc. That’s why the nurses load you up with “free” stuff when you leave, because you’ve already paid for it. Many mamas would rather choose their own products anyway. Birth cost around the world To put this birth cost in perspective, France, Switzerland, Britain, Chile, Netherlands, and South Africa all pay less than $5000 for vaginal deliveries in hospital and $7000 for c-sections (in some cases much less). These countries do not, however, have poorer maternity care or infant and mother health outcomes. In fact, infant mortality rates in the U.S. are much higher, sometimes twice as high, as those in other developed nations. Many would argue this is because the U.S. has great preterm infant care. Because of this, babies who would otherwise be stillborn can survive birth but may die later because of complications of preterm birth. However, for babies born after 37 weeks gestation the U.S. ranks last in infant mortality rates compared to most European countries, Australia, and New Zealand, showing that preterm birth does not skew the numbers. So why the huge discrepancy in birth cost when outcomes aren’t better? Most European countries pay a package birth cost for maternity care while in the U.S. women pay per service. Some would argue that the exorbitant expense of maternity care is because hospitals are incentivized to offer services that aren’t needed like ultrasounds for for posterity’s sake or blood tests “just to be safe”, which drive up birth cost. Another possibility for our high birth cost is that OBs pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in malpractice insurance each year. So they are more likely to charge more for their services as well as offer tests and procedures “just in case”. The astronomical costs of birth in the United States aren’t much different than other aspects of healthcare. Physicians and other healthcare providers are paid for the services they render, which means that they don’t get compensated for keeping people well. In the case of pregnancy and birth, some have proposed that physicians and midwives should be compensated more generously for vaginal deliveries versus cesarean deliveries, to help reduce the cesarean rate. Will insurance cover our birth cost? The good news is – under the affordable care act (ACA) maternity care is required to be fully covered even if you are pregnant when applying for coverage. The bad news is, since the ACA was signed into law, insurance deductibles and premiums have risen dramatically. Many women have found that the cost of midwifery care is significantly lower than their yearly deductible. In this case or in the case of not having insurance, midwifery care is still the least expensive option for maternity care. However, if you have private insurance through your employer and don’t pay a high deductible, out of pocket costs between hospital birth and midwifery care may be similar. If midwifery care is not covered under your insurance, you may pay less or a similar fee for a hospital birth. Keep in mind that when looking for providers covered by your insurance plan, it may be possible to deliver with a midwife who bills under collaborating OB-GYNs, which may drive your birth cost down. How can I reduce my birth cost? Pregnancy and birth is an expensive time in a mamas life but there are things you can do to lower your birth cost. Choose midwifery care Midwifery care is usually the least expensive option for childbirth. Whether you have insurance or not midwifery care is usually still less expensive. Many women chose a home birth to keep costs low and to have a more natural, relaxed birth experience. If you want midwifery care but don’t want a home birth, a birth center is a great alternative and it usually doesn’t cost you any more. A birth center has many of the comforts of home while being closer to a hospital if one is needed. If you have a large co-insurance or a high-deductible plan, choosing a midwife and avoiding interventions (like an expensive cesarean birth) and a costly hospital stay may be particularly important to you. Shop around for the best prices Though getting a quote from a hospital is not easy, it’s worth a try. Teaching hospitals usually charge more while state hospitals charge less. You’ll want to also consider the hospitals c-section rates, morbidity rates, and policies on birth interventions before making a decision. Midwives fees don’t fluctuate as much but it’s always worth comparing prices. Consider whether the midwife does a home visit after birth, which is a wonderful resource for new moms. In general, midwives that practice at community hospitals tend to have much lower birth cost rates than those that practice at large teaching facilities. Choose to go natural .embed-pin { margin: 0.5rem 0 2.4rem 2.4rem; padding-right:3px; float:right; } @media only screen and (max-width: 460px) { .embed-pin { margin: 2.4rem 0; padding-right:0; float:none; text-align: center; } } Obviously, if you need an intervention, you should not refuse it based on cost alone. However, assuming you are a low-risk pregnancy, chose a natural birth. There are so many incredible benefits for baby and mama! This will also keep your birth cost low avoiding unnecessary tests, ultrasounds and interventions. In the U.S., maternity care is charged piecemeal so skipping the epidural, for example, can save you around $1000. Hire a doula It is well documented that having a doula at your side during labor reduces your risk of c-section significantly. Yes, hiring a doula costs money but a few hundred dollars for a doula is much less than the thousands of dollars a c-section would cost you if you’re uninsured (not to mention the emotional cost). Find out more about doulas and where to find one here. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) through your insurance, it will very likely cover the doula’s fees. Negotiate Hospitals are also required to give a certain amount of free care yearly. Ask the hospital if you qualify for a fee reduction or elimination based on income. How about you? How much did your birth cost you? References http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/cost-of-having-a-baby?page=3 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/01/health/american-way-of-birth-costliest-in-the-world.html?nl=.20.todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130701&_r=3& http://consumer.healthday.com/public-health-information-30/centers-for-disease-control-news-120/u-s-still-lags-in-infant-mortality-rates-report-finds-692044.html http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2013/07/02/why-on-earth-do-u-s-families-pay-more-for-maternity-care-than-anywhere-else/ Share Pin Tweet Email Text