Not getting an ultrasound because insurance doesn't cover it & DH doesn't want to know the...

[filiadeluna]

Our insurance doesn't pay for an ultrasound, so it would be out-of-pocket, which we really can't afford right now.  DH also doesn't want to know the sex (I do, but I guess I can't find out because I wouldn't be able to keep it a secret from him even if I tried).  So, is there any point to trying to find the money to do it?  Part of me thinks it would be a good idea to know ahead of time about any problems there might be (though unlikely), but then I worry about ultrasound waves and all of the controversy with that.  We had 3 ultrasounds with DD - one early one because I was spotting, the "gender scan", and a last one when I was 41 weeks to check the fluid levels.  I definitely didn't *want* that many, but that's how it turned out.

[skycheattraffic]

I live in Canada so insurance isn't an issue but I would definitely try to get at least one ultrasound over the course of a pregnancy. Now I'm not hard core about natural prenatal care, so take my response with a grain of salt. I'd try to get one early to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. They are rare but I'd feel better knowing for sure. Of course if you're further along then this becomes a moot point.
I'd get another one further along to rule out/identify twins or multiples. I can't imagine getting ready for one baby and ending up with two or even three without having planned for extra help and resources.
The other reason I'd get a later ultrasound is to assess the placenta for position or potential problems.
These are just my thoughts. I know money can be tight and I really feel for you and others who have to make medical decisions on financial grounds :-(

[filiadeluna]

Originally Posted by skycheattraffic 

I live in Canada so insurance isn't an issue but I would definitely try to get at least one ultrasound over the course of a pregnancy. Now I'm not hard core about natural prenatal care, so take my response with a grain of salt. I'd try to get one early to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. They are rare but I'd feel better knowing for sure. Of course if you're further along then this becomes a moot point.
I'd get another one further along to rule out/identify twins or multiples. I can't imagine getting ready for one baby and ending up with two or even three without having planned for extra help and resources.
The other reason I'd get a later ultrasound is to assess the placenta for position or potential problems.
These are just my thoughts. I know money can be tight and I really feel for you and others who have to make medical decisions on financial grounds :-(

Thanks for the opinion!  I'm about 14 weeks, so yeah the ectopic thing isn't a concern by now.  I just don't know how we'll find the money to pay for it if we decide to do it.

[Imakcerka]

I would def do the 20 week scan, at mine I was told I had previa which is good to know.  If I had planned a home birth that would have been one crappy surprise.  You don't have to find out the sex but a U/S does allow for peace of mind when it comes to home birth.  Fewer surprises.  Are you in the US?  I would think that at least an anatomy scan would be covered.

[JollyGG]

My insurance hasn't typically covered routine anatomy scans. However, every doctor I've had has found some reason that they "need" an ultrasound right around 20 or 30 weeks. I'd be surprised if your doctor didn't find some reason to do an ultrasound that was covered by your insurance at some point during the course of your pregnancy.

Heck with my son I had 3 ultrasounds with a 4th scheduled if he hadn't been born when he was.

I had so many I lost count with my daughter. I only think one of those ultrasounds didn't end up covered, and it might even have been covered once I requested a billing review to make sure it had been coded correctly before being sent to insurance.

Doctors usually want to take a peak just to check for severe birth defects, placental position, etc. They are usually pretty good about coming up with a reason that insurance companies like. 

[filiadeluna]

Originally Posted by Imakcerka 

I would def do the 20 week scan, at mine I was told I had previa which is good to know.  If I had planned a home birth that would have been one crappy surprise.  You don't have to find out the sex but a U/S does allow for peace of mind when it comes to home birth.  Fewer surprises.  Are you in the US?  I would think that at least an anatomy scan would be covered.

 Yes, I live in the U.S., but we have really crappy insurance.  We had much better insurance when I was pregnant with DD.

[filiadeluna]

Originally Posted by JollyGG 

My insurance hasn't typically covered routine anatomy scans. However, every doctor I've had has found some reason that they "need" an ultrasound right around 20 or 30 weeks. I'd be surprised if your doctor didn't find some reason to do an ultrasound that was covered by your insurance at some point during the course of your pregnancy.

Heck with my son I had 3 ultrasounds with a 4th scheduled if he hadn't been born when he was.

I had so many I lost count with my daughter. I only think one of those ultrasounds didn't end up covered, and it might even have been covered once I requested a billing review to make sure it had been coded correctly before being sent to insurance.

Doctors usually want to take a peak just to check for severe birth defects, placental position, etc. They are usually pretty good about coming up with a reason that insurance companies like. 

We are having a homebirth, so I doubt my midwife would "order" one.  The insurance won't cover any of my prenatal care or birth with a midwife, and they won't cover a hospital birth except for what goes over $7,500.  :(