Doctor Visits, Medical Bills, and Staying Comfortable During Pregnancy

by Baby Expenses 15 comments

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I'm so happy that the first trimester is over! I've been told to expect a burst of energy over the next few months, but I haven't see that yet. However, I do feel much better and I'm able to focus more at work. That's less stress for me as I enjoy doing what I do and hated staying in bed due to nausea and/or fatigue.

Improving My Comfort Level

The first trimester of this pregnancy for me what about being comfortable. I wasn't trying to be superwoman, but I just wanted to be able to take care of my regular day to day obligations. Unfortunately I had many bad days and my husband had to pick up different things to see if they could help me.

Curious to see what we've bought so far? Here's a list:

  • Warm Mist Humidifier
  • Chest Decongestant
  • Cough Suppressant
  • Ginger Tea
  • Fresh Ginger Root
  • Sea Bands
  • Ginger Ale (Regular, Green Tea, and Cranberry)
  • Gatorade

If you noticed, there's  a pattern on that list – medications and remedies to avoid nausea and fight dehydration. I've had it worse than most of my friends or relatives, but they mentioned having some morning sickness when they were pregnant. How about you? What items did you pick up when you were pregnant?

Dehydration and ER Visit

After a week of being extremely sick, I started to feel incredibly weak. I started to also feel faint and when my husband called the nurses' line, we were instructed o check in to the nearest ER. Fortunately we're near one and the wait wasn't long. I spent pretty much my Saturday in bed with an IV of fluids, potassium, and nausea medicine.

Signs of Dehydration

Speaking of dehydration, if you are worried about it, here are some symptoms that you should be aware of:

  • Dry, sticky mouth
  • Sleepiness or tiredness
  • Decreased urine output
  • Headache
  • Dry skin
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

Of course, I highly recommend calling your doctor and seeking professional help if you have doubts or want to be on the safe side. Dehydration can become a serious matter quickly, so don't put off asking for help.

OB Visits and Insurance

Pregnant women are encourage to see a obstetrician regularly to ensure that everything is going well with the baby. Right now I go to my doctor's office on a monthly basis and as the due date approaches, my visits will become more frequent.

So far, we received some correspondence from the office and labs for recent visits. We've made our co-payments, so we're curious to see what our insurance company will cover. Here's what we got so far:

  • Office Visits – $15/visit
  • Lab Service/Pathology – $270.00
  • ER Visit – $2,900
  • Prescriptions – $20 ($10 each)

Thoughts on Being Pregnant and Healthy

For those readers who have been through this before and/or are going through this right now, I'd love to hear your stories. How have you dealt with the doctor appointments and everything? What's been your biggest health related expenses? Have you've had some unexpected bills come up due to your pregnancy?

About Elle Martinez

Elle Martinez helps families at Couple Money achieve financial freedom by sharing tips for reducing debt, increase income, and building net worth. Learn how to live on one income and have fun with the second..

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15 comments add your comment

  1. I wish I had some advice for you, but I think I blocked out most of the bad stuff from my pregnancies. I don’t remember how I handled any of it.

    Our biggest expense for both our girls was our mid wife. I delivered both my girls at home. We didn’t have maternity coverage, although that is not why I had home births, but home birthing definitely saved us a lot of money since the hospital would have been so much more.

    Wishing you an easier 2nd and 3rd trimesters!

    • Kristia: If you do mind me asking what would you say is a reasonable fee would be for one? I know some of my family members went that route, but that was years ago.

  2. I obviously don’t have any personal experience, but, wow, I am glad everything turned out alright

  3. I haven’t experienced pregnancy yet, but it sounds like your first trimester was a little rough. I’m glad to hear your finally feeling better, hopefully the remainder of the pregnancy will be a breeze.

  4. Elle, hang in there, my wife was on bedrest for 5 months, and I completely understand that pregnancy can be both the best and worst time of your life.

    That being said, you’re going to love being a Mom! It was a rough pregnancy, but I know my wife would have suffered through it 10 time over again to produce the same great result.

  5. Congratulations Elle! We haven’t announced it yet, but my wife just finished her first trimester. We’re due September 3rd, and we can’t wait to find out if we are having a boy or a girl!

    My wife is so over feeling tired and completely drained! 😀

    • @kay Lyn: It’s definitely an adjustment. I’m happy to say that things have improved greatly over the last few weeks. 🙂

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