Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

For years Medicaid was the only option for women who became pregnant but had no health insurance coverage. Medicaid is designed for low-income workers, so many women find that their income is too high to qualify for this benefit. Health care reform has created another option, but like Medicaid it's not for everyone. But when you need adequate coverage to ensure the health of you and your baby, something is better than nothing.

With passage of the Healthcare Reform Act pregnant women without insurance have a new option: the high risk pool. The act calls for each state to set up a temporary insurance plan for people with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for at least six months. The plans will remain in place until December 31, 2013, when a new more permanent option will become available.

These high risk pools do not come with income limits as does Medicaid. Medicaid has income qualifications for categorically and medically needy groups. Contact your local state office for income guidelines. If you can qualify, Medicaid is your best option as it begins coverage almost immediately and will cover your prenatal care needs.

For those who do not meet the Medicaid income guidelines your state high risk pool is a new option. You must be a U.S. citizen or national or lawfully present in the United States, and you must have been without any creditable coverage for at least 6 months, and you must have a pre-existing condition. Your pregnancy is a pre-existing condition.

In most states your office visits, prenatal and maternity care, hospital care, and some certain infant formulas will be covered. This plan is administered by each state, but the plan is federally subsidized so the premium costs may be lower than what you might find elsewhere where pre-existing conditions preclude you from getting coverage.

The drawback to this plan is the six month without creditable coverage requirement. You and your baby need care right from the beginning. But if you are locked out of individual coverage because of your pre-existing condition, and earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, you can at least get adequate coverage during the most critical stage of your pregnancy: your last trimester.

All health and social care providers are required to register with the Care Quality Commission to demonstrate that they are meeting the standards laid out by the CQC. The standards that you are required to meet and are expected to demonstrate before you can gain registration, vary depending on the service type that you as an organisation, individual or partnership, are classified as.

The Care Quality Commission has defined 28 different service types in all and it is essential that you determine which 'type' or 'types' you are classified as before you begin the CQC registration process. Failing to identify the correct categories could mean that you fail to realise certain standards that are expected of you, which in turn could result in your application being rejected. It is important to note that you may fall into more than one category and in this instance you need to address all of the standards defined within all of the categories that you fall within.

The following details all of the service types available, their associated codes, as used by the CQC, and an example of the kind of provider that may fall within each of the categories:

1. Acute services - ACS

• Maternity hospitals

2. Hyperbaric chamber services - HBC

• Type 1 hyperbaric chambers

3. Hospice services - HPS

• Adult hospices

4. Long-term conditions services - LTC

• Complex care and support provided to individuals with physical or neurological illnesses that are unlikely to improve

5. Hospital services for people with mental health needs, and/or learning disabilities, and/or problems with substance misuse - MLS

• Child and adolescent mental health providers

6. Prison healthcare services - PHS

• Young offenders institutions

7. Rehabilitation services - RHS

• Rehabilitation units

8. Residential substance misuse treatment / rehabilitation services - RSM

• Crisis intervention units

9. Community healthcare services - CHC

• District nursing

10. Doctors consultation services - DCS

• Slimming clinics

11. Doctors treatment services - DTS

• Travel vaccination centres

12. Dental services - DEN

• NHS Dental practice

13. Diagnostic and/or screening services - DSS

• Health screening centres

14. Community-based services for people with a learning disability - LDC

• Community learning disabilities teams

15. Mobile doctors services - MBS

• GP out-of-hours providers

16. Community-based services for people with mental health needs - MHC

• Community mental health teams

17. Community-based services for people who misuse substances - SMC

• Community drug and alcohol teams

18. Urgent care services - UCS

• Walk-in clinic

19. Care home services with nursing - CHN

• Nursing home

20. Care home services without nursing - CHS

• Residential home

21. Specialist college services - SPC

• Personal care and accommodation provided by a college for young people with learning and/or physical disabilities

22. Domiciliary care services including those provided for children - DCC

• Domiciliary care agency

23. Extra care housing services - EXC

• Care provided within purpose built accommodation

24. Shared lives (Formerly adult placement) - SHL

• Care provided by a trained individual, couple or family, inside or outside of the home

25. Supported living services - SLS

• Care provided to a person living in their own home

26. Ambulance services - AMB

• Patient transport

27. Blood and transport services - BTS

• NHS Blood and transport

28. Remote clinical advice services - RCA

• NHS Direct

The examples given above are by no means an exhaustive list and the range of organisations that need to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission is extensive, so if you provide any form of health or social care services then you will almost certainly fall within one of the above service types.

Many women wonder when the best time is to have their tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, surgery performed. This is a very important consideration for all women because pregnancy has such a profound effect on all women's bodies.

What effect does pregnancy have on a woman's body?

Pregnancy causes weight gain in the abdominal area both from the baby itself, but also from fatty deposits which the body makes during pregnancy. All of this weight contained in the lower abdominal area causes the skin and muscles to expand and stretch. The results are often many issues, including; fatty areas which cannot be removed through diet and exercise alone, hanging skin, stretch marks, and issues having to do with the abdominal wall muscles themselves.

One of the biggest reasons women choose to have a tummy tuck performed is due to the stretching and bulging of the muscles of the abdominal wall itself. This muscle budging can cause the abdomen to protrude outward and appear to be fat even when no excess fat is present in the area. Unfortunately, there simply is no exercise which can rectify the problem; the only solution is to have a procedure performed to fix the bulging and stretching muscles.

Just as with the issue of bulging abdominal muscles, the only way to remove the sagging abdominal skin from pregnancy is through a tummy tuck. Simple liposuction can deal with fatty deposits, but nothing other than an abdominoplasty can remove the sagging skin. The good news however, is that a tummy tuck will remove the lower abdominal skin where most stretch marks occur. This means that post-operation they will be gone as a nice byproduct of the surgery.

When is the best time to have a tummy tuck if you are a mother?

If you are a mom who is interested in a flatter stomach, like you had before your children were born, the best time to have abdominoplasty performed is clearly when you are finished having all of your children. By waiting until you have had all of your children, you can ensure that the effects of your surgery will be long lasting.

Can I have one if I have had a C-section surgery in the past?

If your children were born through C-section you are indeed still a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Interestingly enough, you will likely find the abdominoplasty will be less painful than your C-section surgery was and your recovery will likely be faster as well.

Is it dangerous to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

It is not dangerous to you or your child if you get pregnant after having a tummy tuck. However, the pregnancy can reverse all of the changes made by your abdominoplasty and cause you to need another one following the birth of your child.

Because having a tummy tuck can be a fairly expensive surgery to have, and it is generally not covered by medical insurance, most women choose to wait until they are done having children to have their abdominoplasty performed. By waiting until after pregnancy, you can ensure that your stomach will stay flat and tight throughout your older years.

Like most U.S. states, Pennsylvania has certain provisions for it's residents who fall into lower income groups. One such provision focuses on offering affordable health insurance for individuals and families. In Pennsylvania there is a program known as AdultBasic for people who earn income below a prescribed level. This program focuses on providing health coverage at very little cost (there is a $35 monthly premium) to the applicant.

Originally started in 2002, the coverage insures most lower income people between the ages of 19 and 65 who meet certain eligibility criteria. It also covers against pre-existing conditions and is available to U.S. citizens who have resided in Pennsylvania 90 days prior to enrollment.

This medical insurance is comprehensive major medical coverage and is administered by various private insurance carriers throughout Pennsylvania (Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Keystone Health Plan East and First Priority to name a few). Some of the benefits covered by the plan which carry no additional cost are:

- Hospitalization (unlimited days)
- Physician Services (primary care and specialists)
- Emergency Services
- Diagnostic Testing (e.g. X-rays, mammograms and laboratory tests etc.)
- Maternity care
- Rehabilitation and skilled care (in lieu of extended hospitalization)

Other services which carry a small co-payment are:

- $ 5.00 co-pay for each visit to your family doctor
- $10.00 co-pay for each visit to a specialist
- $25.00 co-pay for each visit to an emergency room (waived if admitted to the hospital)

Another convenient aspect is the ability to apply online. To help guide you along with the process I recommend contacting a licensed local health insurance broker for further information.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, what your spouse eats right before and during your pregnancy can affect the health of your growing baby. Even before she starts trying to get pregnant, you should take special care of her health.

Make sure she eats healthy meals and snacks and take a multivitamin every day. If you are both unsure about eating healthy during pregnancy, talk to your doctor.

Does my spouse really need to "eat for two?"

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, your spouse will need additional nutrients to keep her and the baby healthy, while she is pregnant. But, that does not mean she needs to eat twice as much. She should only eat an extra 300 calories per day. A baked potato has 120 calories. So getting these extra 300 calories doesn't take a lot of food.

Make sure she does not to restrict her diet during pregnancy either. If she does, the unborn baby might not get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Low-calorie diets can break down a pregnant woman's stored fat. This can lead to the production of substances called ketones. Ketones can be found in the mother's blood and urine and are a sign of starvation.

Why do pregnant women crave certain foods?

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the desire for "pickles and ice cream" and other cravings might be caused by changes in nutritional needs during pregnancy. The fetus needs nourishment and a woman's body absorbs and metabolizes nutrients differently while pregnant.

These changes help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the demands of breastfeeding once the baby is born.

Other Nutrients Does My Partner Need For a Healthy Pregnancy

Folic Acid: According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Pregnant women need 400 micrograms (400 mcg) of folic acid every day to help prevent birth defects. Folic acid is also important for any woman who could possibly become pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects of a baby's brain or spine called neural tube defects. Getting enough folic acid can also help prevent birth defects like cleft lip and congenital heart disease.

An easy way to get enough folic acid is to take a multivitamin every day. Most multivitamins sold in the U.S. contain enough folic acid for the day. But be sure to check the label! Choose a multivitamin that contains 400 mcg or 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for folic acid. Getting enough folic acid is most important very early in pregnancy, usually before a woman knows she is pregnant.

So, at least one month before your partner tries to become pregnant you should make sure she is getting enough folic acid. Women who are already pregnant need to get enough folic acid every single day. Another way to get enough folic acid is to start your spouse eating a serving of breakfast cereal that contains 100% DV for folic acid, every day. Check the nutrition label on the box of cereal to be sure. It should say "100%" next to folic acid. Orange juice, spinach and legumes are also good sources of folic acid.

Iron: Pregnant women need twice as much iron - 30 mg per day - than other women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women start taking a low-dose iron supplement (30 mg/day) or a multivitamin with iron beginning at the time of their first prenatal visit. Ask your doctor what she recommends.

Prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor or those you can buy over-the-counter usually have the amount of iron your partner needs. But be sure to check the label to make sure. Pregnant women should also eat lots of iron-rich foods. Some good sources of iron include lean red meat, fish, poultry, dried fruits, whole-grain breads, and iron-fortified cereals. Pregnant women need extra iron for the increased amount of blood in their bodies. Iron helps keep blood healthy. Plus, your baby will store iron in his body to last through the first few months of life. Too little iron can cause a condition called anemia. If your spouse has anemia, she might look pale and feel very tired. Your doctor checks for signs of anemia with the routine blood tests taken at different stages of pregnancy. If your doctor finds that she has anemia, she will give special iron supplements to take once or twice a day.

Calcium: Pregnant women aged 19 to 50 years should get 1,000 mg/day of calcium. Younger pregnant women need even more - 1300 mg/day. Most women in the U.S. don't eat enough calcium. So many pregnant women will have to change their diets to get their fill of this important mineral. Low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, cheese or other dairy products are great sources of calcium. Eating green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified foods like orange juice and breakfast cereal can also provide calcium. If your partner's diet is not providing 1,000 mg/day of calcium, talk to your doctor about taking a calcium supplement.

Water: Pregnant women should drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water per day. Plus, pregnant women should drink another glass of water for each hour of activity. Water plays a key role in your partner's diet during pregnancy. It carries the nutrients from the food she eats to your baby. It also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Drinking enough water, especially in the last trimester, prevents dehydration. Not getting enough water can lead to premature or early labor. Juices also contain water.

But juice also has a lot of calories that can cause one to gain extra weight. Coffee, soft drinks, and teas with caffeine actually reduce the amount of fluid in the body. So caffeinated drinks do not count towards the total amount of water your spouse needs every day.

If you wish to help increase your chances of conception, or are suffering from infertility, you may be considering taking tablets to help you get pregnant. There are an abundance of options to choose from. The following are the most commonly available to women looking to boost their fertility.

Clomid- This medication is one of the most commonly prescribed tablets to help you get pregnant. Clomid works by stimulating the brain to release two hormones usually produced naturally- LH and FSH. Together these two hormones tell your reproductive system to ovulate, producing healthy, mature eggs ready for fertilization. This medication is commonly prescribed to couples who are experiencing diagnosed infertility, and have been unable to conceive after a year of actively trying to get pregnant.

Herbs- There are several types of herbal tablets to help you get pregnant. Herbal supplements work in a variety of ways to help increase your fertility. Among the most commonly used are:

• Evening primrose oil- Evening primrose oil works by making helping your body produce fertile cervical mucus. Cervical mucus aids the sperm in surviving its journey through the uterus and fallopian tubes, ensuring a supply are waiting to fertilize the egg after ovulation.


• Red Clover Flower- An herb that produces chemical known as isoflavones. Isoflavones are similar to estrogen, and helps to balance a woman's reproductive hormones. This herb can also be helpful for producing an environment in the womb that is more sperm friendly, by balancing the alkaline and acidity levels.


• Chasteberry- Also known by its scientific name of vitex, chasteberry helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb is particularly useful for women who suffer from PCOS, or irregular periods.

Prenatal supplements- Studies show that simply taking a prenatal vitamin increases a woman's fertility. Prenatal vitamins provide you with the nutrients you and your baby need for healthy development. Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, folic acid, iron and the various b vitamins are all necessary to your baby's development. In addition, prenatal vitamins also supply nutrients that are well known for boosting your chances of conception. If you are taking prenatal tablets to help you get pregnant, make sure to look at the content label for the following: Zinc, Selenium, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.

Specialized Fertility supplements- Many companies have formulated fertility supplements to combine the best prenatal vitamins with fertility enhancing herbs and nutrients. Common brands include Fertilaid, Fertilcm, and Fertilitea.

It is important to note that while both Clomid and traditional vitamins have FDA approval, the benefits of herbs and fertility supplements have not been fully evaluated by the US government yet. Be aware of the possibility of negative interactions with current medications or health conditions. You should always discuss any drug or supplement you take with your doctor and immediately report negative side effects. Taking tablets to help you get pregnant can be a very effective way to increase your chances of conception when used responsibly.

As your unborn baby develops and your body begins to grow, remaining comfortable on a day to day basis can become quite a challenge. There are certain essential items and items of clothing that can help you stay comfortable during your pregnancy. I have a few recommendations based on my own experiences that expectant mothers should find helpful.

Comfortable maternity clothes that fit loosely and do not restrict movement or mobility are a must. Skirts and dresses that do not bind are somewhat easy to find in maternity shops and at most major chain and department stores. You do not need to go crazy and buy a closet full of new outfits, but having a few loose fitting, dependable maternity outfits to wear when you are craving comfort is a plus. Some women use maternity belts for support while pregnant, but I prefer maternity tights. Maternity tights provide support, look somewhat fashionable if that is important to you, and can keep you warmer during the Fall and Winter months.

Comfortable shoes are at the top of my list for must have items as well. Forget heels or any shoes that are not flat and cushiony. Getting around is difficult enough and ill fitting or high heeled shoes can lead to major discomfort and even dangerous consequences such as falling down while pregnant.

Your breasts are likely to increase by one cup size or more so be prepared to go bra shopping once or twice while pregnant. Finding a good bra that fits well and is comfortable can be tough, but the staff in maternity stores or bra shops can be helpful.

Heartburn and acne are somewhat common during pregnancy and both can cause you some discomfort. Heartburn is easily remedied with Rolaids and the like, but speak with your doctor before taking anything while pregnant. The acne is often the result of hormonal changes, not dirt, so don't overdo it with the acne treatments and talk to your doctor before using any acne remedy, even the over the counter or all natural ones.

My final recommendation for staying comfortable while pregnant is more pillows. Getting a good night's sleep is next to impossible if you can't get comfortable. With a growing baby and expanding belly, sleeping poorly is not uncommon. The large body pillows are great for snuggling up to or even just having an extra pillow or two can make a huge difference.

When you're pregnant, staying comfortable is important, but it becomes more difficult as your delivery date approaches. With just a few simple, moderately priced items available just about anywhere, you can make your pregnancy a lot more comfortable.

More and more individuals require either a TED Hose or Compression Stockings due to a variety of popular conditions, Diabetes, poor circulation, excess fluids (water retention) and D.V.T (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg(s), both a TED Hose and a Compression Stocking will alleviate conditions related to the mentioned conditions. Medical professionals often identify both TED hose and compression stockings by the same title, TED hose, but there is a significant difference between them.

TED hose is frequently given to patients when they are in the hospital or medical facility. TED hose are designed for individuals that are non ambulatory, or lying down 95% of the time. The compression starts in the calf and decreases as it goes up the leg. The reason the compression starts in the calf, when we are lying down fluid tends to travel no further than our mid leg. The stockings will help push additional fluid from that position up through the lymphatic system, then out the body. TED hose are usually white in color and available as a thigh high or knee high style. Normal compression generally lasts two weeks; this is why when you're in a hospital or medical facility they consistently change your TED hose. In contrast to TED hose, compression stockings offer an array of styles and color choices; therefore they are both fashionable and comfortable. Compression stocking styles vary from knee high, thigh high, pantyhose, and maternity pantyhose.

Compression stockings are available in a sheer material, trouser sock, and athletic sock styles. Compression begins in the ankle and decreases as it goes up the leg. Individuals who have the ability to sit, stand, and walk have gravity working against them, gravity pulls away additional fluid from the upper and mid leg to the ankle and foot, thus eliminating swelling problems among others. When wearing a medical grade compression stocking, the compression begins at the forefoot and decrease as it goes up the leg pushing any extra fluid up and out of the area. Normal compression lasts six months giving the user more time before having to obtain replacement(s).

Certain circumstances allow a person to gain assistance with the purchase of compression stockings. Individuals whom are being treated for an open wound and/or ulcer have the opportunity to gain coverage from insurance as long as all necessary documentation has been made available to the provider. Typically, this consists of a prescription from your physician as well as a CMN (Certificate of Medical Necessity) completed by a wound care specialist. Most insurance differ in regards to coverage and reimbursement, be sure to check with both your doctor and your insurance to see if you are eligible to receive these products.

According to studies, women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. There are many reasons for this. Fortunately, depression is a mental illness that is curable if the correct mediation or therapy is administered to the sufferer. Thus, it is important that women understand the causes and the appropriate ways on how to deal with depression.

One most obvious reason that may make women more prone to depression is the levels of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Women have a higher level of these hormones and the levels change during the menstrual cycle, throughout pregnancy and childbirth and at the menopause. For instance, premenstrual syndrome or commonly known as PMS, can result in anxiety and depression prior to the menstruation period. Treatment used for PMS include hormone therapy and water tablets (diuretics), but they often do not work very well. The best way to deal with such depression is to give support and understanding to your affected spouse or partner.

In addition, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone are very high in pregnancy and drop dramatically after the birth. This sudden change can sometimes trigger depression. About half of all new mothers go through the maternity or baby blues, 15 percent get mild to moderate postnatal depression and a small percentage may even suffer from severe depression.

So how should you deal with pregnancy or postnatal depression? One effective way to treat postnatal depression is through the use of antidepressant drugs. Most antidepressants can be taken while breast-feeding. When a woman is being treated for postnatal depression, it usually helps if her counterpart can become involved and understand what is happening. In the cases of severe depression, doctors may recommend electroconvulsive therapy in addition to the antidepressant medication. This depression treatment works quickly and enables the new mother to get on with bonding with her child.

Women are more likely to seek help for depression around their middle years. It is widely believed this is due to menopause. There are, of course, a number of other changes that may play a role in triggering depression. Common reasons may include the poor relationship with their partner or kids, deteriorating health or sudden retrenchment. Typically, this form of depression can be treated with common antidepressant drugs such as Dothiepin.

If you wish to know more about effective clinical depression treatment, major causes of depression and the complications resulting from depression, you can visit this comprehensive site : Guide To Living With Depression

While chiropractors are generally concerned with the overall health of the spine and body, the field has many things to offer pregnant women. All chiropractors are trained to treat pregnant women, but some have received special designations, due to advanced study and practice in that field. Look for those with a DACCP or CACCP certification, in addition to being a member of ICPA and Webster certified, which means they have been specifically trained to deal with breech positions.

A chiropractor is a great resource for stretches and strengthening exercises for your back. She will know exactly what works best for pregnant women. When performing chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy, a good practitioner will have proper equipment to accommodate pregnant women. They will have tables equipped to accommodate her belly and know that serious pressure on the abdomen needs to be avoided.

With all of the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, there is a good chance that your spine will become misaligned at some point, simply due to the pressure of your growing stomach, and hormonal changes that cause softening and stretching of tissue. A chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy can establish pelvic balance and realign the spinal column.

This can lead to a reduction in back pain, as everything is brought into alignment so that pressure on soft tissues is relieved. The primary goal is to prepare the mother for birth. Her body should be functioning optimally, with everything in the correct position.

Soft tissue can be manipulated as well through massage and pressure point work. This reduces spinal stress, keeps the muscles relaxed and flexible and results in reduction of muscular aches and pains.

Some additional benefits realized by chiropractic care are controlling symptoms of morning sickness, reducing labor and delivery time, avoiding a potential caesarean section, relieving back, neck and joint pain, and bringing about a healthier pregnancy in general. Additionally, if a baby is in the breech position, the Webster Technique can be used to establish balance in the pelvis and make it possible for the baby to turn to the correct position.

There is some evidence that regular chiropractic care during pregnancy will actually reduce time spent in labor. In addition, it appears that chiropractic patients have less postpartum pain as well.

Currently, many medical professionals believe that regular adjustments with a good chiropractor are highly recommended. Chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy ensures that the pelvis is balanced, creating extra room for the baby, and reducing pain throughout the body, as the spine is brought back into alignment.

Chiropractic care has become so popular for treating pregnant women, that there are even programs available to help cover the cost of treatments. Chiropractic care is still relatively inexpensive compared to most medical options, so you will probably find it quite affordable, even without assistance.

Since many medical options are not available for pregnant women who are dealing with back pain and other issues, chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy can yield a number of benefits, both in terms of immediate symptom relief and long-term health of the mother and baby.