Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

There is a new trend taking place across the country and that is home birthing. Today more and more women are opting to give birth in the comfort of their own home. Many women who have given birth in a hospital have not been pleased with the experience often describing it as horrible and embarrassing. On the other hand women who have given birth at home describe the experience as wonderful and satisfying.

Many informed women are going down this path if possible choosing midwives and warm baths instead of the traditional obstetricians and epidurals.

Home births are usually planned with the assistance of a midwife although some women are opting to have no assistance whatsoever. Many women feel they have more control and freedom at home when giving birth. Their movement is not restricted like in a hospital. They can choose to shower, eat a snack, move around, have friends over etc. Women choosing to give birth at home place a great deal of trust in their midwife.

When looking for a midwife, ask about the services that are provided, as well as her qualifications and experience. Most midwives provide prenatal care as well as postnatal care to the new mom. Of course midwives assist in the birthing by letting the process of labour and delivery progress naturally.

Studies have shown that a well planned home birth with a certified midwife is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital.

Another way of giving birth that is becoming quite popular is water births. Some women who have given birth in a birthing pool have enjoyed a quicker painless labour and say the experience was quite relaxing. Birthing pools can be rented for home births.

Many women who have experienced a home birth said their greatest joy was being able to hold their baby right after giving birth in their own bed at home.

Home birthing is not for everyone. Anyone who is experiencing a high risk pregnancy would not be a good candidate for a home birth. These women do need to be monitored so intervention in their pregnancy is a must.

Another factor that may prevent a woman from experiencing a home birth is the cost involved. Many insurance plans do not cover home birthing so the cost would be out of pocket. This seems like an awful way to decide how you want your baby born.

Some hospitals are now opening birthing suites which is a much more home environment setting. They are trying to make it a home away from home.

Also across America more birthing centers are opening which as you may have guessed are centers built specifically for mothers to be.

Depression in women is unquestionable, probably because women, in general, are emotional than their men counterpart. What's sad about it is that women find it hard to overcome this condition. There are actually a lot of most common types of depression in women, which experts classified. However, the following are just some of them that mostly women can easily relate to.

Post-natal depression

This type of depression in women occurs several months after giving birth. This condition is due to drastic changes in lifestyle, constant dependence on other people, and sense of increase responsibility. What happens is that first-time and young mothers find it difficult to do certain things that motherhood brings the right way and more quickly, such as new responsibility of nursing their child.

To overcome this condition, forcing to play the role of a loving mother will do no good, especially if you don't recognize any feelings towards your child at first, which is rather normal. Take things slowly at your own pace, but make sure not to prolong your adjustment period. Remember that it is your duty to look after your baby. And once you get acquainted and starting to get used of your role as a mother, you'll do better than you thought. Additionally, if your relatives or friends offer help, accept it because you will need time to get back to normal senses again after returning from hospital.

Age-dependent depression

Depression in women may be associated with age. Those women in climacteric age can suffer from depression. Women's hormonal background of organism changes during this time and most often depressive condition is observed. The coming of menopause also results to psychological pressure that may disturb women.

To conquer this condition, you should try not to change your day-to-day routine. Keep in mind that climacteric does not mean the end of the world. Only you know the changes that happen to you, unless of course you spread the words. Menopausal is a natural phase in life that all, which means without exception, women have to go through. Therefore, don't make a tragedy out of it. You may want to consult your doctor if hormonal therapy can do you any good.

Monthly depression

Monthly depression in women refers to premenstrual. This condition can be detected few days before menstruation period, during or right after it, or depending on a certain women's distinction.

Since you don't have any ways to hide this condition, you may want to consider some ways to cope with it such as staying at home or making no important plans. Most likely, you may have already noticed the period of your cycle that you can't control this condition. Therefore, it's easier for you to plan your activities ahead and "spare" those days that you can't be active.

Depression in women associated to exhaustion

This condition is also called chronic tiredness. This usually occurs if you overestimate your strengths and if you have increased responsibilities for the duties you assume. This is why is it important that you alternate work with rest, otherwise time will come that you will no longer be able to do previous work and suffer because of this condition. To prevent exhaustion depression in women, make it a point to have a full day rest on your day off. Physical and mental rest is essential to keep you productive in your work.

Health insurance is an essential requirement in today's world, as we all want access to the highest quality medical care at an affordable price. Unfortunately medical care, standard of treatment and healthcare costs may vary from country to country.

Some countries leave the choice between privatised and subsidised medical care systems and other don't. In some countries, the employers will take care of your health insurance while in other countries you may have to show specific documentation before you can receive treatment.

If you intend to move to another country, it would be better to inform yourself on the following subjects:

• the standard of healthcare (general and specialist care);


• privatised and/or public system;


• necessary documentation you may need to have access to treatment;


• will your employer take care of your health insurance;


• health care taxes and withholds from your pay check;


• healthcare cost (who is paying for what, what amounts, monthly premiums and cost in case of an emergency);


• do you need to register with a doctor and to locate specialists? Are there any restrictions from the health insurance;


• find out what actions need to be taken in case of an emergency (which numbers to call, location of medical emergency facilities, etc.).

It is always better to have a health insurance if you travel a lot and if you reside in countries where standard of treatments are low and where medical care is privatised.

A good health insurance will enable you to be treated in the country of your choice or the nearest centre of medical excellence.

Traditionally, health insurance companies would offer different types of policies covering different areas such as hospital services, parental accommodation (for minor children), hospital cash benefit, day-care surgery, local road ambulance service, emergency medical evacuation, 24-hour emergency medical assistance, repatriation or local burial, home nursing, accident and emergency room services, oncology, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, MRI and CT scans, organ transplantation surgery, rehabilitation care, dental treatment following accident, routine dental treatment, newborn care, outpatient psychiatric care, maternity care, childhood vaccinations, wellness benefit, outpatient services (GP fees, X-rays, diagnostic and pathology tests, physiotherapy, specialist and consultants fees, complementary therapies, prescription drugs).

If you need any more information regarding, I would strongly recommend visiting the following website: www.devere-group-healthcareonline.com

Here is a pregnancy planning check list to help you get ready to have a baby! Generally, you do prepare for the major happenings in your life such as school, college or even retirement. In the same way, pregnancy planning is a must before you decide to have a baby. A baby can change your life to a great extent. There is a lot of planning - physical, emotional and financial, which needs to be done for a smooth future for your baby and you.

The Decision To Become A Parent

This is perhaps the most important decision of a lifetime. So take advice from your physician, talk to friends and family about it and read a lot of books and magazines that will give you good advice on planning for a healthy pregnancy.

A Preconception Visit to Your Physician

As a part of your pregnancy planning check list, a visit to your physician is a must. He will do a thorough medical checkup and check if there is any family history of illnesses. He will check you for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). He may advice you to stop taking any over-the-counter medication. If it's been over a year since you've been trying to get a baby, he may advice you to take a fertility test. There is no cause for worry and there is every chance that you might conceive. He will also give you vaccinations to immunize you against tetanus, hepatitis B and German measles.

Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals- If you or your partner have been exposed to hazardous chemicals, dry cleaning fluids, heavy metals, radiation or chemical fumes at work, this can be dangerous for the baby. You must take the physician's advice on whether you should continue to work in the same place or take up a new job.

Smoking Drugs and Alcohol- Say NO Today

Smoking, drugs and alcohol can harm your baby. Your baby may be born under-weight or be a preemie. He may also develop complications and birth defects. Research says there is a 64% increase in the chances of birth defects in children whose parents are smokers.

A Healthy Diet-Nourishment for You and the Baby

A healthy pregnancy diet with supplements of folic acid is essential for a mother-to-be. Folic Acid prevents birth defects of the spine and brain. Eat your meals regularly. Your meals should contain foods rich in iron, calcium and green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and legumes. Fortified cereals are also good for you.

An Exercise Regimen- Eating Healthy is very good but you should also exercise regularly. Not very strenuous but exercises like walking, swimming or yoga can be of great help in bringing down your stress levels. Also needed are meditation and deep breathing exercises. These will help you stay calm and peaceful. Do what you enjoy doing, like reading or listening to music.

Family and Friends- This is the time to talk to family and friends to get their support. Sometimes a relationship may become too difficult to handle, especially when you get pregnant. You may be subjected to some form of abuse. Do not feel afraid to ask for help in such a situation from your local helpline or from friends.

Financial matters- It is important to be prepared financially for your baby. There will be an onslaught of bills once the baby is born. Go in for health insurance too. And save for the future-both yours and little one's.

Now with this pregnancy planning checklist in hand, you can manage your pre pregnancy planning in a better way for a wonderful start.

The Texas Health Insurance Pool provides individual health insurance in Texas for those who can't buy private insurance because of health conditions. Any Texan who has been denied coverage because of his health has received a certificate from an agent stating that his health will make him unable to find coverage or has been offered coverage that is more expensive than it would be if purchased through the Pool is eligible. Dislocated workers and early retirees in certain trades who qualify for the Federal Health Coverage Tax Credit are also eligible to buy coverage through the Pool for themselves and their dependents.

Individual health insurance in Texas through the Pool covers physician care, hospital care, maternity care, mental health services and prescription drugs. There are five different plans available through the Pool, including one high-deductible HSA option which offers a lower premium and tax advantages. Premiums offered through the Pool cannot be sold for more than twice the cost of a plan a healthy person of the same age would pay a private insurer for the same coverage. Coverage is guaranteed renewable, meaning it cannot be canceled so long as premiums are paid and the policy holder continues to reside in Texas.

A person who has been diagnosed with a serious health condition such as AIDS, epilepsy or cancer is unlikely to be able to find individual health insurance in Texas at an affordable rate, and most policies are likely to include an elimination rider that excludes coverage for treatment of that illness. The Pool is designed to provide these Texans with coverage. In order to be eligible, a person must live in Texas, have no other current coverage and exhausted all other sources, including COBRA or other state continuation coverage. He cannot be eligible for another group health care plan, including Medicare or Medicaid.

There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions for those eligible for HCTC or under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and cannot include riders to exclude coverage for any reason. However, those not covered by HCTC or HIPAA could be subject to a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. As of January 2010, over 26,000 people had individual health insurance in Texas through enrollment in the Pool, which operates as a PPO through the BlueChoice簧 Network through BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas. Services by in-network providers are covered at a higher co-insurance rate meaning lower out-of-pocket costs to the Pool member.

What is it?

Individual health insurance is a type of coverage that you buy yourself, as opposed to coverage obtained through an employer or government program. It is estimated that about five percent of the population buys their own health insurance-that's more than 15 million Americans!

Who is it for?

This type of health insurance is most ideal for those who are:

-Employees of a company that does not provide health insurance benefits

-Between jobs

-Recently unemployed and find COBRA is too expensive

-Self-employed

-Recent graduates not covered under their parent's plan

What are the benefits?

The great thing about shopping for an individual health plan is the variety of plan options available to pick and choose from. With the guidance of a licensed health insurance agent, you can figure out what your needs are and how to find benefits that can meet them. Some benefits to consider are: pre-natal visits, maternity care, well-baby visits, prescription drugs, routine doctor's visits, etc. You can also decide what is more economically feasible for you: paying for a high deductible and low monthly premium or vice versa. If you recently become unemployed, an individual plan is likely cheaper than the high premium cost of continued employer coverage via COBRA.

What are the risks?

The drawback is that you pay higher premiums because you are solely responsible for your plan's premium, versus being able to share it with other employees, as with group employer coverage. Also, premiums vary from state to state because of differing state health care usage histories or certain statewide legislative requirements.

Moreover, premiums are determined by expected health care costs, so individuals who are sick, smokers, or older can expect to pay more. Individual health plans are underwritten, meaning an insurer can deny or apply exclusions/rate-ups to your policy if you have preexisting conditions.

OK, now how do you actually buy it? Buying the perfect individual health plan is a lot easier than you would think, and can be done best with the help of a licensed agent. Just enter some basic information about yourself on getinsured.com to instantly view side-by-side comparisons of plans in your zip code. Licensed agents can explain your state's law and walk you through the entire process-from shopping for plans to completing your application and receiving your policy. This service is completely free, so there's no reason why you shouldn't take advantage of it.

What impact does health care reform have on now, and in 2014?

The following changes will be implemented beginning September 2010:

-New plans must cover some preventative services without cost sharing

-Insurance companies can't drop you when you're sick, due to a mistake you made on your coverage application

-Carriers cannot impose lifetime maximums on your coverage

-New individual plans can't deny or exclude coverage to any child under age 19 due to health conditions (this includes babies born with health problems)

-If a new plan doesn't pay for services you thought were covered, you have new options to appeal the decision

Beginning in 2014, individual health plans cannot turn down individuals with a preexisting condition (including a disability).

Irritable bowel syndrome is a health disorder that more than 1/3 of the population will deal with. It is usually characterized by bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping. Most irritable bowel syndrome cases are mild and are easily controlled with stress management, a healthy diet. In some cases, there is a need for the person suffering from the disorder to take prescribed medications from his/her doctor.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, irritable bowel syndrome becomes a very common issue to deal with. The condition, however, does not affect a woman's chance of getting pregnant. During the pregnancy, the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are usually much more severe, which makes the pregnancy that much more stressful. The hormonal changes that a woman experiences during his pregnancy, especially if she was already suffering from irritable bowel syndrome before she got pregnant, vary during each trimester.

Usually during the first trimester, women do not feel any of the hormonal changes that are going on because they are too busy dealing with morning sickness. At this point, most cases of irritable bowel syndrome go away. Once the second trimester hits, the hormonal changes that the woman is experiencing become much more apparent and the symptoms due to irritable bowel syndrome will continue because of all of the changes that are taking place internally.

In the third trimester, the symptoms continue on and they generally increase. The most noticeable symptom in a pregnant woman is constipation. This is because the levels of progesterone during pregnancy are elevated, so the muscles throughout the body begin to relax. This causes a slow down of the digestive system. Lack of a healthy diet and exercise regime are also factors in the case of constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome during a pregnancy can at times become very troublesome. Because of this, all women, especially those who are pregnant or looking to get pregnant should learn about all of the different treatment methods that are available today. These treatments are used to help relieve the symptoms brought about by irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy. Pregnant women should find ways to do safe and regular pregnancy exercises as well as drink lots of water daily to help relieve these symptoms.

Pregnant women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome should also consider taking soluble fiber supplements. It is also important to get a lot of sleep and rest. If your symptoms are extremely severe, there are medications that can help you. Diclectin is known to help with morning sickness. Bentyl also helps to prevent muscle spasms that occur within the stomach as well as in the bladder. With relaxed muscles, your symptoms won't be as severe and you can focus on other things during your pregnancy.

In any case, the best way to cure these symptoms is to visit your doctor. Here, your doctor can assess your condition and determine what kind of treatment is best for you and the condition you are dealing with.

Being pregnant is not a reason to stop feeling beautiful. Many common beauty treatments, however, are not approved for use during pregnancy and should be replaced with alternative beauty regimes until baby is born.

Hairspray, Gel, and Mousse - Some hair care products contain an ingredient called phthalates. This chemical has been linked to birth defects in animal studies and some human studies. The FDA does not recognize this ingredient as being unsafe during pregnancy due to lack of conclusive evidence, but the chance is worth changing up hair care products while pregnant.

Sunscreen Safety - UV rays are touted as a major cause of premature aging and skin cancer. Pregnant women may believe they are protecting their skin with sunscreen and SPF facial and body lotion. They could be wrong. Oxybenzone, a common ingredient in skin care products, may be linked to low birth weight in female infants and cell damage.

Soap and Shampoo - Two of the common ingredients in soap and shampoo are sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. The names may look similar, but the effects on the body could not be any different. Sodium laurel sulfate is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, though skin irritation has been an issue for some pregnant women. Sodium laureth sulfate, on the other hand, may bring 1,4-dioxane along with it. 1,4-dioxane is a known carcinogen.

Lotion and Skin Oil - The first ingredient in many skin lotions is water. While this is a safe ingredient, high concentrations of water often used as a filler ingredient require chemical anti-bacterial agents to prevent bacterial growth in the product. If your lotion ingredients start with water and then move onto ingredients with chemical names and tons of syllables, chances are the lotion is not safe during pregnancy.

Acne Treatments - Accutane and Retinoic Acid - Fighting adult acne can include using Accutane or other retinoic acid based skin treatments. While effective at fighting skin breakouts, these products are considered category X for pregnant women. Under no circumstances should Accutane or retinoic acid be used during pregnancy.

Retinoids - Accutane is a retinoid used for treatment of severe acne, but other medications containing retinoids are used to treat psoriasis and certain forms of blood cancer. The March of Dimes offers the iPledge program where women who are of childbearing age can pledge they will not become pregnant while taking these risky medications.

Skin Bleaching - Skin bleaching creams contain hydroquinone. This ingredient is listed as a category C pregnancy risk. This means animals have had fetal side effects associated with consumption or use of hydroquinone. Though no human studies have proven human fetal birth defects, women should err on the side of caution when choosing skin care products during pregnancy.

There are healthy alternative beauty treatments approved for use during pregnancy. When in doubt about a beauty product, contact your obstetrician or take the product to your next prenatal check-up. Many skin care products contain toxic and risky ingredients that can affect fetal health for a lifetime.

Bed rest is a common practice designed to help stabilize a variety of complications that may crop up during your pregnancy. Most times the period of rest is short, and you may resume normal activities such as working. In some cases, the period of inactivity may be much longer and may require hospitalization. Below are a few tips to make this time more affordable so you can relax more and worry less. Stress can worsen any health issue. Don't let financial worry get in your way.

Your gynecologist may prescribe bed rest to improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Common medical reasons precipitating rest at home include: high blood pressure from pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, cervical changes, vaginal bleeding, pre-term labor, high order multiples, diabetes, and placenta disorders such as placenta previa, and placenta abbrevia. Your period of inactivity may last a week, a month, or in rare cases the entire length of your pregnancy. In more severe cases you may be admitted to the hospital for monitoring.

If you have a full-time job a prescription for bed rest may create some unexpected financial concerns such as: how long will I get paid, will I be able to keep my job, and how do I cut my expenses. Finding good answers to these questions can dial back some of the financial pressures. Don't ignore the advice of your doctor because you can't afford getting the rest you and your baby need.

Replacing Your Income

Many couples rely on both incomes to make ends meet in their family budget, and leave little financial cushion. Often an extended period of time away from work may translate into lost income. Check on your number of accumulated sick days, and look into any short term disability insurance coverage you might have. Most policies will cover complications of pregnancy, provided that your coverage started prior to conception. Check to see what your monthly benefit amount might be: some policies will cover up to 璽?色€?of your salary. Five states have mandated programs that can help: California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
Keeping Your Job

Missing a few days here or there rarely results in job loss. But when months of work are missed, your employer may consider hiring a replacement. The Federal Family Medical Leave Act provides for up to twelve weeks of job protected leave. If your combined bed rest along with your maternity leave after delivery exceed the twelve weeks, you may be at the mercy of your employer. Not all employees or employers are bound by this legislation, so make sure you meet the qualifying criteria. Ten states have laws which the amount of leave and/or populations covered. Check to see if these apply.

Cutting Your Costs

Your bed rest may also translate into added expenses - which may come at a time when you can least afford them. You may need special medical monitoring equipment, extra doctor visits, or home adaptations. Many insurance plans come with co pays that add up quickly. A hospital indemnity plan may fill the biggest gap: a stay in the hospital. Check your policy for admission benefits, daily benefit amounts, and policy language surrounding re-admission for the same or similar medical condition. Keep track of all your medical expenses as these are tax deductible. Use your employer's flexible spending account whenever possible as your tax savings will almost always be highest using this vehicle. When your baby is born, you can increase your annual election, as this is a qualifying life event.

Making the decision to find a surrogate mother is not an easy one, both emotionally and financially. By the time a typical infertile couple comes to the conclusion that surrogacy might be the best way to grow their family, they have already spent countless amounts of money on various infertility treatments. And surrogacy is the most expensive infertility treatment of them all!

A typical gestational surrogacy can run anywhere from $30,000 on the low end, to upwards of $100,000+. In addition to the surrogate's compensation, intended parents need to account for clinic fees, medications, attorney fees, agency fees, maternity care, travel expenses and any other expense that occurs in a pregnancy.

So how are intended parents able to afford it? The truth is, surrogacy is financially out of reach for most couples. The ones that do choose surrogacy usually make incredible sacrifices in order to afford it.

Saving in Advance
The most practical method of affording surrogacy is to save in advance. Intended parents can sacrifice vacations, new cars, and other high-cost items in addition to saving every spare dollar and employment bonuses.

The problem with this is the sheer amount of time it takes to save up these kinds of funds. Couple that with the fact that many couples going through infertility are older parents to begin with, and you can see why this option is unattractive to many.

Financing
Some intended parents choose to take a second mortgage out on their homes or to take on some other sort of financial loan to afford surrogacy. It is even possible for some of them to borrow money from a family member. The downfall to this option is bringing a baby or babies into their lives on top of heavy debt.

Choosing Traditional Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy can be very expensive, but a lesser expensive alternative is traditional surrogacy. Since a traditional surrogate mother becomes impregnated via artificial insemination, the in vitro fertilization fees are non-existent.

Some traditional surrogates will do home inseminations, eliminating the need for a clinic altogether. This can save the intended parents tens of thousands of dollars. The baby, however, would not be the biological child of the intended mother.

Trimming Fees
There are several fees intended parents may be able to trim, or even eliminate, when looking at surrogacy. Choosing to find a surrogate mother, either gestational or traditional, without the services of an agency is one option. Another option is to find a surrogate with a good health insurance plan.

There is also the option of finding a surrogate with low, or even nonexistent fees. Though it may seem impossible, there are many, many surrogates who would be willing to accept a low compensation to help another family achieve their dreams. In addition, sometimes a family member or close friend can act as a surrogate mother for the intended parents free of charge.

Egg Donation
Another option for surrogacy involves the intended mother becoming an egg donor herself. If her eggs are of good quality, and her infertility problems stem from her inability to carry a child, she might be able to receive compensation as an egg donor for another set of intended parents.

This is actually more common than most people realize. The compensation for a couple egg donations, added to a couple's savings and other options, may make surrogacy a financial possibility. The intended mother may even decide to go through a shared cycle to reduce her fees for the egg retrieval in relation to her surrogacy.

Those outside the surrogacy community may have trouble understanding the mindset behind these phenomenal sacrifices. But to those who have been struggling with infertility for a very long time, even with the financial hardship, surrogacy is dream come true.