military wives?

[angelama14]

This is our 3rd pregnancy, the other two were miscarriages, and the military doctors are being anything but helpful. They won't let me go off post, and getting an appointment for an ultrasound on post is craziness. They are trying to make me wait until 20weeks ( I am 5 weeks 4 days now). I am doing my best to stay positive and not stress out, I just want to know if my baby is ok .

[princesslo007]

My Husband Is Air Force. At The Clinic On Base They Were Terrible. They Don't Have An Ob So I Got A Referral, But They Weren't Going To Let Me See The Referral For 12 Weeks, Until I Freaked Out! Be Persistent Because You Are A Second Class Citizen To The Military! If It Contineues I Would Have Your Husband Call!

[angelama14]

I'm doing my best! I will definitely look into that, thanks for the advice :)

[crystalamber13]

call tricare see if you can get a reverse referral thats i was i did...i found an ob in network that i liked and they filed the paperwork with tricare and tricare accepted ...theres always a way to getout of having to go to a military doc just try to keep calm and not stress its not good for you or the baby good luck!

[angelama14]

Yeah we live pretty far from base as well, so going there is a pain sometimes. I just want to make sure they are good and are going to take care of my baby and I as best they can. I dont think i would go to the er unless i thought something was actually wrong, mostly because i dont want to jinx anything. My last miscarriage was in 2009, so I'm hoping this pregnancy will be different, so far I'm in no pain, no bleeding, and having normal pregnancy symptoms. Just doing my best to stay positive and stress free, and hope the time flies so my other half can help with things!

[kthisutton]

*relax, not realize! Lol

[kthisutton]

Small world! My 1st appointment for paperwork was around 5 weeks I believe,  then I was scheduled to see a midwife about 2 weeks later. My husband is actually at Camp Mckhall so I live a good distance from the hospital,  that's my only con about going to Womack. So far everything has been great. I have to see an OB, because I'm high risk. I personally wouldn't "make up" a symptom just for an ultrasound just doesn't seem right.  I know it's hard, but as long as you're not having heavy bleeding or unbearable cramping try to realize and grow a baby :) I'm here if you have any questions or need any advice! Pregnancy is hard enough,  but especially hard when your spouse is away.  

[angelama14]

I'm at ft Bragg as well! And i figured they would be  strict about referrals, that's what I've heard. When was your first official appointment? And how do like the hospital so far?

[kthisutton]

Where are you stationed at? I'm at Ft. Bragg (NC) and inquired about being referred off post I was told, they'll only approve referrals if I lived more than 60 miles from base. I had my 1st ultrasound around 7 weeks, because I was unsure about my last menstrual cycle. I am now 18 weeks and haven't had bad luck with the military hospital.  I had 3 previous miscarriages before this pregnancy so I understand your frustration. When you go in to fill out your paperwork, you can discuss your concerns with the nurse then at your 2st offical appointment (full exam) usually with a midwife, they should give you a quick ultrasound.  Good luck!  

[loveontop2014]

You are very welcome and I'm here if you ever want to talk/chat so you can always message me. Good luck and best wishes!

[angelama14]

Those are some good ideas as well, I guess if anything does happen like nausea I'll definitely use that as a reason for the er.
And hearing a heartbeat would definitely put me at ease. I'm going to try my best to explain to them my concerns and like you said, hopefully they will understand or at least get me an appointment sooner rather than later. Thanks for all the advice ladies. Right now I have no one to talk to since my husband is gone, and we aren't telling anyone until after my first trimester due to past experiences withthe mimiscarriages. So I really appreciate it!

[loveontop2014]

Hmm that is tricky because you do have a clinic and hospital on your post. For me, since we only have a clinic my base referred me to a civilian OB. All I can really suggest is trying to explain to them just how concerned you are because of your history. Hopefully they will understand (good luck with that) and at least schedule you sooner to get an ultrasound. If they say no then ask how soon can you hear your baby's heartbeat? I was told by an ER nurse it can be hard to find one if you are too early (she told me before 13w). If you were able to hear your baby's heartbeat would that ease your mind some until your ultrasound?

[MissAmandaB]

You could go into the er and tell them that and they'll usually do an ultrasound. If you have morning sickness kind of bad you can go in for fluids and they'll check baby then too. But honestly they wont be able to see anything until like 6 to 8 weeks or so. So I wouldn't go in before then or you'll work yourself up more because there wont be anything to see yet. And the military will prob consider you high risk because of the other 2 miscarriages. I had a friend and that's what they did when she was pregnant with one of her daughters. They did more ultrasounds and checked her more often. If it helps any they were navy and stationed in Va Beach, VA. but if they're being hard to deal with just go to the er

[angelama14]

I know it sounds impatient, but after having 2 miscarriages, I'm just needing to see something on the ultrasound for the first time and be told that everything looks normal so far.

[angelama14]

And since we live near post I have to go there for everything unless I have a referral. That's easier said than done, unless you don't live near any military bases.

[angelama14]

I've considered all of this lol. Paying out of pocket ...we just can't afford right now. We just moved to our new base and I haven't found a job yet. And I did also consider the er , but without a reason it really is pointless. I'm hoping when I go in next week for the paperwork I can talk to a nurse or doctor and be seen sooner. I'm willing to wait a little...but not 4 months.

[usmcwife19]

My situation is a little different. My husband doesnt have a base yet because hes still in training so im living in wa whiles hes in ca. Im on tricare prime so as long as I have a referal from my primary car provider this insurance will cover it. I dont live anywhere near a base hospital either so I have to get my care elsewhere. Idk if thatbhelps or if my situation is just too different. I do know they wouldnt see me until 8 weeks along, I got an ultrasound in the room to tell me how far along I was, and then I didnt get my other ultrasound until I was 20 weeks.

[3mama2014]

The joys of being military.  Only other option really is er but without a reason it won't do you any good

[eallison]

Didn't know what I said was a bad word lol wow. Replace it with "sad" lol

[eallison]

Can you pay for one out of pocket that isn't on base? ***** to pay out of pocket, but you can atleast get answers.

[angelama14]

They have the ob/gyn at the hospital on base. That's where everyone goes (which means its very crowded) I was told I had to wait, but I have my first appointment next week, and they said it would be just for filling out paperwork only. While I'm there though I'm going to ask them in person for a check up or ultrasound. If not, I also made an appointment with my pcm to ask for a refferal off post. I just hate waiting, because it is so hard not to worry. On top of everything my husband is gone for the next 5 weeks and I don't have friends or family here for moral support.

[loveontop2014]

I'm an air force wife and they gave me a referral off base to see an OB. I wonder why they are making you wait?! Oh wait, I just read your statement again. So there is an OB at your clinic? They didn't give you an ultrasound confirming your pregnancy and seeing how far along you are? To my understanding, you get two (if it's a normal pregnancy): one to confirm and the other for the gender scan.