Need help!! Pregnant at 48!!

[nunila]

I just found out i am pregnant!! I did not have a fertility treatment or anything...it just happened naturally! This is my first time!!

The thing is that i am not working, dont have health insurance and at this point (9 weeks) need to have some tests done (which i ignore which ones are going to be) and dont have $$$.

I went to a community clinic and they offered to fill out the application for medicaid but it will take 3 weeks to do so. In the meantime i feel really worried, since i have not been checked by a doctor yet nor have had any tests done during these crucial weeks!!
I live in Jacksonville, FL and I have not found any free prenatal care places or hospitals etc in my area yet.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[rukiyar]

Congratulations!!!I live in Florida also just go to MYFLORIDA.COM, click on resident then on economic services and then access health and fill out the app for medicaid on line all you have to do is find a doc who takes pregnancy medicaid which they will put you  on and if they do just tell them it;s pending as is if you already filled out and they will see you no problem, your gonna have to see them anyway cause medicaid requires you to give them a confirmation of pregnancy from a doc , I promise you $$$ is not a prob for docs if your pending and get in right away cause not getting the preg confirmation from the doc will delay your app. congrats again

[YvetteY]

You should be able to qualify for Medicaid, especially if you're not working.  That will pay for you and the baby during your pregnancy and delivery   The key to this is to get lots of prenatal care and very early.  You'll probably have to do a lot of tests.  Make sure when you get qualified for medicaid and pick an OB that is in a great part of town.  Even if you have to drive a bit.  You'll get better care.  

nunila--any idea how far along you are in this pregnancy.  You're pregnancy is AMAZING at your age.  I'm 41 and keep miscarrying!  The things you'll need to be tested for don't start till your about 12 or 13 weeks.  In the meantime make sure you fill out the m'caid application and do what they need you to do.

It seems like you have access to internet.   You should also go down to the department of economic security in your area and fill out application for medicaid there.   They'll get you in a lot faster.   Look up your nearest DES office.  Feel free to send me a private message I can helpb you more.   I'm an expert in insurance matters (really).  

[RunningL8]

That's a good point:  you should check with your doctor before taking aspirin.  I was told my RE prescribes that regularly to older pregnant women, but there are probably health conditions that would be aggravated by even a small dose of aspirin.  

[JOYWAWER]

I disagree with BG-MN! DO NOT take the asprin without a physicians order.

[nunila]

Thank you!! It's comforting to know now that i still on time for those tests.
In the meantime i am taking vitamins & 800 mcg of folic acid until i get checked by a doctor.
I really appreciate your prompt responses!  

[RunningL8]

I've had two pregnancies in the last six months (at age 45-46).  Unfortunately, there is a high risk of miscarriage after age 45, and there is nothing you can do about that except don't smoke, drink, etc.  But most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities, which is totally out of your hands.  What you can do is buy a good prenatal vitamin with 800 mcg of folic acid and an additional folic acid supplement of 800 mcg; take those daily, so that you are getting 1600 mcg of folic acid each day.  Also take 81 mg aspirin daily to improve blood flow to the fetus.  Sometimes a doctor will give you progesterone supplements, but there is dispute as to whether they actually do anything.  So the prenatal vitamin, extra folic acid, and aspirin are most important, and really all that a doctor would do anyway at these early stages.  And then pray all goes well!

[Fourpaws]

Congrats! I am also sure that the clinic will see you while you medicaid is pending. They usually pay retroactive 3 months prior. Just like the other post said, you have time, they don't start testing until 11-12 weeks. Good luck!

[azqtpies]

Congrats... they do testing at 11-13 weeks for downs so still  time. Good luck to you!

Kelly
17w6d