Weekly Questions w/o 4/29

pink_polkadots · April 2018

(Eta: Im pretty sure this meme is huge but I’m on mobile and can’t edit it til I get home. Hang tight ladies.)

pink_polkadots · April 2018

I have a question for all the ladies who did NIPT. I have a dilemma. I asked my OB about the test and they don’t readily offer it unless there’s an interest or need for it. I told them I was interested in the one that tells you the sex. So I had to call my insurance company to see if it was covered. I gave them the code my OB office gave me and they said it required a preauthorization. Basically, the OB needed to request it for a medical necessity. So I relayed this to the OB and she ended up calling my insurance company and was given a completely different answer. She was told it was in network and covered. So I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to take the test only to get a bill for hundreds of dollars. I’m frustrated because it is two completely different answers from MY insurance company. How did you ladies figure out exactly if your insurance covered it or not? My OB tests through Counsyl. Should I give them a call? Advice!

highsteaks · April 2018

@pink_polkadots if i was in your shoes, i’d speak to the people at your ob’s office who are in charge of billing/codes. ask them to submit a preauthorization to insurance, wait for the preauthorization to be approved from your insurance company (and get proof), then proceed. write down names, dates, and details on all phone calls. that way, if your insurance back tracks, you have a paper trail to pad your appeal. Insurance companies can be a pain to work with, as even though one employee says one thing they’ll still argue that you are responsible to know what is and isn’t covered and they aren’t responsible for their employee’s mistakes. makes no sense and is completely backwards but i’ve always won my appeals if i have my ducks in a row. good luck!

lifesabeach85 · April 2018

@pink_polkadots I agree with pp that you need to get something in writing. Preferably several things. I have also gotten several different answers from insurance when I have had to call them. Most have an option for conversing through chat or email, which you can save in the case that insurance decides to deny your claim. Have your doctor submit the pre-authorization and copy you on it. Once it is submitted, get written confirmation from someone at insurance that it will be covered (or what amount will be covered). Make sure to get names for whowever you talk to and try to get a manager on the line if possible.

kamahina9 · April 2018

@pink_polkadots My Doctors office said the same thing. If I choose to take the test then it will be an additional $300 and insurance wouldn't cover it. I am thinking that it will be okay for me just to wait since I don't want to pay that extra cost. I agree that you should get the pre-approval and have all your info kept together (who you spoke to, etc) before proceeding.

My question this week is about cars...this is our first baby and everyone around me is telling me that we need to buy a new & bigger car. My husband and I both have a Honda Civic (mine is 2014 and his is a 2009). We were thinking that since it's only 1 baby we should be okay having two small cars and of course if we end up having more kids then we'd need a bigger one. I guess we don't really want the expense of another car until we need to get it but I can see that maybe it would be easier with a bigger vehicle. What do you think? Is it time to switch to a van or SUV?

lurvleybunchococonuts · April 2018

@kamahina9 I'm a FTM too and that seems bizarre to me. Why would you need a bigger vehicle? I suppose it might be slightly easier, but it's a baby, not a full grown human being. And if an adult can fit in your backseat somewhat comfortably, than I don't see why a carseat wouldn't. I've seen plenty of parents make it work just fine using a sedan. Just sounds like an excuse to get a new vehicle to me. Unless your car is like... super unreliable or old or something... then maybe from a safety stand point it'd make sense? Or I can see it being rather annoying (but still doable -- my sister did it until her son was about 3) if it were a 2-door vehicle.

Jessie42613 · April 2018

@pink_polkadots this may or may not help you, but I did the test, I have BC/BS insurance, and Counsyl IS in-network. I owe $0. Otherwise I was just prepared to pay the $300-ish because I’m 35 so the extra testing is important to us.

@kamahina9 I spent 4 months rolling around with a German Shepherd and a newborn in the backseat of my 2003 Honda Civic coupe (2 door) in 2015. It was totally fine! The ONLY reason I upgraded was because a) the car was 12 years old lol, and b) I wanted 4 doors. I now have a 2016 Civic, 4 door, and I have no plans to get another bigger vehicle. Two car seats will fit in the back just fine, but sadly the GSD won’t be coming for as many joyrides lol. I vote that unless you *want* a bigger car, enjoy the bliss of no car payment.

kamahina9 · April 2018

@Jessie42613 & @lurvleybunchofcoconuts - Thank goodness I asked! I was feeling the pressure to upgrade even though it didn't seem like a necessity. And a car payment is exactly why I don't want to get a new car. It's so nice having both of our cars paid for. We will have plenty of other expenses with having our first baby.

ashkee05 · April 2018

I definitely agree with not needing to upgrade @kamahina9 we have a two yo and an 11 yo in an Acura TSX which I know is smaller than the civic (maybe not the 09) cause I have I also owned civics. They are just fine and someone can still sit in the middle and I don’t feel smashed in front of the car seat. He is still rear facing too.

I will be upgrading this time because we are about to have two in car seats and I don’t want to smash my 11yo in between two car seats or have to take two cars if he has any friends with. Truly though the baby is the only reason we are upgrading. We are still perfectly fine with two in both our vehicles. The other is a Jeep Grand Cherokee so roomier but not a whole lot bigger

offtoneverland · April 2018

@kamahina9 I agree with everyone else! The only reason I could see maybe needing a bigger car is if you or your SO are incredibly tall. It would get tiring bending over into the sedan all the time to strap baby into the car seat. I'm short though, so this was not a problem for me. FWIW, we're not planning to upgrade cars even with a second child on the way!
@pink_polkadots I have no advice, but I feel for you. I had to see if an expensive test was covered by my insurance while testing with the RE and I got 3 different answers from 3 different people at the insurance company. I was so so frustrated! Good luck!

blue2mango · May 2018

@kamahina9 I agree also. No need for a bigger car, especially with one. My friend had 2 in a Mazda Protege hatchback. She couldn't afford another car. Just make sure you get a car seat that fits. We have Chicco carseats and they are a big larger and may not fit a smaller backseat.

KellyT22 · May 2018

@kamahina9 I'll share one pro to the new car question. I switched from a sedan to an SUV right before I had my first and am so glad that I did. Kids have a lot of crap and having the extra space was nice. If it's at all within your budget, I think upgrading is a good idea. If it's not financially possible, then wait.

blue2mango · May 2018

My question is on maternity swimsuits. I never got one with DS, just never needed one. This time I do need one. I am thinking a 2 piece (tankini) is best but am worried about the top riding up. Should I do a more fitted one, looser? Then the bottoms. I feel like a higher over the bump would be most comfy but is it? I would love some insight into this from mommas who have worn them. Please and thank you!

blue2mango · May 2018

@KellyT22 I actually did the opposite. Went from a Jeep Cherokee Sport to a Volkswagen Passat. The Passat was actually roomier in the back seat and trunk than the Jeep. The trunks on the newer Passat are HUGE.

herewegoagain3rd · May 2018

@kamahina9 you should only do what is in your budget and you can definitely make the civics work. However, just wanted to give you the flip side. I went from a Vibe (kind of like a small, low to the ground sports wagon) to a CRV and never looked back. It was so much easier to fit everything and get stroller and baby in and out got easier too. However, we did not electively switch, my Vibe broke down and it was cheaper to buy a used car then fix the Vibe. We got a 2005 CRV in 2012 so the price wasn't bad and we still have that car, now paid off.

herewegoagain3rd · May 2018

My question, has anyone flown with the progesterone suppositories that need to be kept cold? I am flying to visit family on Friday and my doctor has given me a note. I plan on putting them in a baggie with ice packs. Is that okay?

lurvleybunchococonuts · May 2018

@bfpafter4years I think that would be a question that might be best answered by calling the airline and asking them. I imagine they have to have some guidance on how to properly store/transport medications that need to remain cold. Another option it may be easier to ask your doctor to send a prescription for the amount you need to the local pharmacy where ever you are going and have a family member pick them up so they are already available for you there. I know national pharmacies such as CVS or Walmart pharmacy, etc you are able to transfer certain prescriptions between states.

lifesabeach85 · May 2018

@blue2mango if you get a specific maternity suit and not just a regular tankini, it’s cut to accommodate a bump. So, I never had an issue with it riding up because it’s extra long and stretchy. Usually the bottoms are just normal though, not extra high.

MamaMunn · May 2018

@bfpafter4years I traveled with all my ivf meds. Just kept them in my carry on with ice packs and was never even questioned about them. I did have a note from my doctor to travel with meds but I never needed it. I didn’t even have to pull them out!

therealfrizzle · May 2018

@kamahina9 looks like you've got some great answers, just want to add my experience. I have a 2 door chevy cobalt and while DS was in the bucket seat, it was absolutely fine. Our convertible carseat, however, is a behemoth and even in my DH's sedan, it takes up most of the back seat. It is so big, it only fits in the middle seat and neither of our front seats can recline too far back. I love his carseat though, gives me such a peace of mind and I would rather get a different, larger car than trade the carseat lol. I think while this one is in a bucket seat, both will be fine in the sedan while DH uses my car as the commuter car, but we will need to upgrade once both are in convertible carseats.

herewegoagain3rd · May 2018

@lurvleybunchococonuts I have looked at their website and read all the regulations, but I am worried it will be different when I get there. Also, I can't get these from a regular pharmacy, I have to order them from a special pharmacy and they ship a month's supply to me at a time. They have to make them in the pharmacy.

@MamaMunn thank you! That's what they said online but I wanted to make sure the experience was the same.

ginny_203 · May 2018

Has anyone had their baby suddenly measure a bit small? Had a scan yesterday and the baby was wiggling around like crazy so the ultrasound tech said she was having a hard time getting a good reading, but the measurement she got was 2 days behind where we thought it would be. It did still show growth from the previous scan, but they were having a hard time seeing it since it was so wiggly and the pics they were able to get were very blurry and unclear.

The u/s tech, nurse and my OBGYN weren't concerned and said the baby was probably just scrunched up since it was wiggling around so much. Heartbeat was strong at 168 and everything else was fine. I know I shouldn't worry if the OBGYN said not to worry, but just looking for some reassurance so my PGAL/PAIF brain can stop freaking

Thanks

wildrainbow · May 2018

@ginny_203 In the first tri, there is an "error" of up to five days in measurements. My babe started off being 3 days behind then jumped to four days ahead. With all the wiggling it's hard to get an accurate measurement. Today you're pregnant and you love your baby. Find some mantras to repeat when you get anxious, it really helps. I would also focus on the fact that baby has a super strong heartbeat, obviously loves dance parties, and your Dr. wasn't the least bit concerned. I know it's hard not to freak out and go down the rabbit hole, but, remember, that when you do, you only hurt yourself and add extra stress that you don't need. Just focus on the positives, especially when PGAL rears it's ugly head.

herewegoagain3rd · May 2018

@ginny_203 my doctor said that the US measurements can be +/- 4 days. So the last two weeks tater tot has been measuring 2-3 days behind but they said that is completely fine.

lifesabeach85 · May 2018

@ginny_203 my first u/s baby was 1 day ahead, 2nd was 3 behind. The doctor was 0% concerned. A few millimeters can change the dating several days, and movement makes it even trickier to get a perfect measurement. The angle can affect things too. Also, they’re babies not robots and they grow at different rates so as long as it’s within a week of your edd it’s normal. It might be better if rather than talk about ahead/behind drs went with percentiles, because that makes it easier to understand that not every baby at the exact same gestational age would be the exact same size, I mean, why would they be? Baby might have a huge growth spurt before your next exam!

ginny_203 · May 2018

Thanks guys!!! I know this, and I also know if the doctor isn't concerned I shouldn't be either, but you know...

Going to try not to have anything sweet the day of my next scan so hopefully our little wiggler will pose for a better photo

kamahina9 · May 2018

Thank you ladies for all of your insight! It's really helpful to hear what you all did

herewegoagain3rd · May 2018

Do you ladies think it is okay to do a gender reveal with just your NIPT results? I am worried we will find out they are wrong!

lifesabeach85 · May 2018

@bfpafter4years I did one (family only). It was right with DD! Also, I have seen social media gender revels after an atatomy scan that turned out to be wrong (in both cases closed legs hid a penis) so there is always that risk.

purelex · May 2018

Hi ladies, quick question... I have to travel for work this month. I will be between 13 and 14 weeks and the flights I am taking are relatively short, about 2.5 hours. Do/should I wear compression leggings? I have a pair from when I went to London during my last pregnancy but I was further along and that was a much longer flight so I am not sure if I need to bother this time.

Thoughts? I forgot to ask my doctor at my appt today but I may give the nurse line a call and see what they say, too.

josie12367 · May 2018

@purelex I personally wouldn't bother this time with that short of a flight. Though if you have a middle seat and won't be able to move around much, they might be worth it.

herewegoagain3rd · May 2018

I am going this Friday to Oklahoma which is about a 6 hour trip with a stop in between. The doctor just said to get up every hour and walk a little bit or move your legs. Also drink a lot of water.

purelex · May 2018

That's what I was thinking too @josie12367 . I got aisle seats because I figured I will probably have to pee at least once.... from all of the water, @bfpafter4years

blue2mango · May 2018

@lifesabeach85 Yes, a tankini maternity suit. I have owned one regular tankini in my life and it rode up so bad, it sucked. Thats why I worry. I am having trouble finding a local place with a few to try on and see. Thanks for the information!

bqtmom25 · May 2018

blue2mango said: no

My question is on maternity swimsuits. I never got one with DS, just never needed one. This time I do need one. I am thinking a 2 piece (tankini) is best but am worried about the top riding up. Should I do a more fitted one, looser? Then the bottoms. I feel like a higher over the bump would be most comfy but is it? I would love some insight into this from mommas who have worn them. Please and thank you!

I've been wanting to ask this too. Maybe we could even do a product spotlight on it. Especially you heavy boobied ladies, wth do I buy that won't make me look like a knocked up porn star, seriously.

Also, this is my last so really dont want to spend $$$.

I currently wear a sports bra and rash guard shirt. Super boring, I have a permanent farmers tan, and feel frumpy.

purelex · May 2018

I have a one piece retro style maternity swimsuit that works well... I am between a 36DD and DDD and it doesn't make me look like a porn star. I find that I like it a little loose in the belly area but it is ruched on the sides too so it doesn't look saggy or anything. I assume tankinis would fit similarly and probably look best for bigger busts. I wouldn't expect them to ride up as they are usually pretty long. I got my suit at Kohls.com but their selection is looking pretty terrible right now. Motherhood Maternity seems to have a bunch, though!

highsteaks · May 2018

i have a random query that is quasi-pregnancy related: i want to start going to a professional to get my legs waxed for the warm weather since shaving is normally such a pain and now i’ll have a baby bump to contend with.

can anyone give me any advice at all as to what to expect, what to look out for?

also, if i go in for a full leg wax, how high up the leg do they typically go? all the way to the crease/bikini line, or should i schedule a bikini wax as well?

bqtmom25 · May 2018

Thanks @purelex I got excited and ended up buying this. It's basically a bra with a bathing suit attached so should work. More expensive then I wanted but maybe it'll work for a couple years, or I can sell it.

When I went shop g with my first is was terrible. But...everything at the store was too small.

lachnessmomster · May 2018

My question is regarding dopplers. I'm sorry if this has already been discussed somewhere. I was thinking about ordering one, but wasn't sure it would be worth it. Do any of you ladies have one or use one regularly with this or previous pregnancies? Would you recommend it? Is there a particular model you like?

I'm also worried that I might order one, not be able to find the heartbeat due to inexperience or a faulty product and then just freak myself out. I also don't want to become obsessive about it. Does anyone have any input?

Thanks, ladies!

josie12367 · May 2018

@lachnessmomster I love my Doppler. I bought mine of ebay for around 35$. I used it last pregnancy and this one. I find it useful for in between these appointments that are four weeks apart to ease my mind. I only use it once a week, and then stop completely once i can feel movement.

If I have trouble finding the hb, I just put it away and wait till I have to pee before trying again. A full bladder will raise up your uterus and it's easier to find.

I do have to say that once you've reached viability (24 weeks) you should put it away. If any concerns arose after that point (like decrease in movement for example) then you should be evaluated by a doc to be sure that there's not an issue.

firsttimespartanmom · May 2018

For any second times moms out there, we are touring our first day care this afternoon. It seems crazy early but they’re already full! Are there any good questions or things to keep in mind when we go? Totally new to this.

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