Minnesota Babies

Unexpected Positive pregnancy test, now what?

I don't have a regular doctor and I've never even thought of an OBGYN? What do I do? How do I find one? Do I have to have an actual OB? Considering giving birth at Fairview Southdale or Methodist Hospital what's my first step in finding an MD or OB? Do I just call one of the places to set up a prenatal appt and find out everything when I get there or what?

Re: Unexpected Positive pregnancy test, now what?

  • It might all depend on what insurance you have. A good way to start is to call the clinic/Dr you've been going to for normal stuff (assuming you have one). If you don't, then call your Insurance company or go on their website to find one.

    Once you have a number to call, just call and explain the situation - they'll talk you though it. Although, one thing that I realized when I called for an appt is they don't REALLY need to see you right away. I freaked out thinking I had to get in next day, when in reality they are Ok waiting a few weeks. The exception would be if you think you are further along....like 10 weeks or more. Then I'd suggest getting in sooner than later.

    I just know that I when I initially called they basically offered to a) bring me in to take another test (but this isn?t really necessary if your test came out positive) or b) have me talk to a Dr to answer some questions. We chose to just talk to a Dr, but they didn?t run any tests or do much until my first ?official? appt at 12 weeks. 

    Good luck! When in doubt, you could always just call a nearby clinic or hospital and ask them for advice. Then find out if they accept your insurance.

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  • First, congrats!

    I agree with others about first finding out what hospitals and practioners your insurance will cover.  Try to set up a consultation to help you decide, which will be easier to get in before the usual 8-10 week first appt.

    Also decide if you would rather see an OBGYN or Midwife, which might depend on the birth experience you'd like to have, resources you'd like the practioner to have at their disposal, etc. You don't have to have an OB, but you should find someone experience in delivering babies. Midwives are usually supported by docs in case something goes wrong during pregnancy/delivery.  Midwives often deliver at hospitals as well (vs. just at home only, which I first thought)

    If you need a rec: I used to see Patricia Kane - MSN, WHNP (Midwife, Nurse practioner) at Park Nicollet Clinic in St. Louis Park.  She delivers at Methodist.  I would have kept seeing her if I hadn't moved out to Woodbury after getting married, she is really great! 

    https://tinyurl.com/4ojl2q
  • Something to keep in mind is that you aren't in a small town where the MD/OB you see for your prenatal visits is going to be the same MD who catches your baby (you're the one doing the delivering, they're just there to catch)..  I had an AWESOME OB for my prenatal visits, then he did my induction only for his shift to end and me ending up with some beotch who wouldn't listen to me when I said "the epidural is NOT WORKING!" for all of 13.75 HOURS after a nurse moved the bed to check me before I was ready and ever-so-slightly moved the epi. 

    Like another mentioned, contact your insurance company to find out what they'll cover and who.  That will give you a pretty good idea of what your options are.  They won't likely have you in for the first visit until about the 8-week mark.  

    Just as important than the prenatal visits, take time to really spend with your DH and do things together like go to movies, etc. and nuture your relationship and just like planning the wedding, plan the parenthood things you CAN control!!!  You're life is going to be changing drastically in 10mo in so many ways that if we told you all the things you learn as a new parent, you'd never believe us.  You'll discover "finding a babysitter isn't as easy as I thought it would be" when you get an invite to your cousin's "no kids" wedding..  why "hamsters eat their young"...  "How many raisins CAN be fit up the nose"...  "A strategically timed (for the purpose of noise only - think loud clapping, doesn't hurt or leave a mark/redness but sounds loud enough to grab attention) spank/swat is sometimes better than all the timeouts in the world depending on the child and the situation"..  etc. 

    Get together in these next months with your DH and set ground rules on how your parenting is going to go together and that you'll each support the other parent from the start.  If you're a team from the start, it will make your lives so much "easier" as a parent. 
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  • I think the suggestions by the other Nesties are great.  I went through Park Nicollet, as well.  They are affliated with Methodist, which has an excellent birth center; I spent a few days their once diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, once we realized I wasn't going to make it 40 weeks they transferred me to Abbott so my DD could get the NICU services at Children's. But, my point in I had phenomal care at both clinics.  And, I have had 3 friends delvier at Fairview Southdale with plesant expereinces.  If you have a preference be sure to find out what hopsital the clinic is affliated with as well as where you will get care if things turn 'high risk' or dangerous for you and baby.  Children's Minneapolis, Children's St. Paul, and North Memorial are the only area hospitals with a level III NICU, you may not need this, but nice to what hospital your clinic would use in that case.
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