We did initial fertility testing at NYU but we were already pregnant. We made the appointment with a highly recommended reproductive endocrinologist right after my second miscarriage, and didn’t think we would be pregnant prior to the first consultation and testing. So I got all the tests that you are able to, with the exception of any that could pose a risk to the new pregnancy.
Everything came back great except that we found out my TSH (thyroid) level was slightly elevated. Not outside the healthy range for adults but above a threshold for fertility. I checked all my physicals over the years. Even as recently as April, I had always had a low TSH. And the slightly higher December level could potentially link to miscarriage. So out of “an abundance of caution” and in the event it may have contributed to my losses, I was put on low dose synthroid that I’ll remain on my whole pregnancy.
All my very early appointments were at the NYU Fertility Center and that is where we heard the strong heartbeat at 6 weeks. The one Javi asked to play over and over. We loved the NYU staff. At 8 weeks, I was *supposed* to switch back to my Columbia OBGYN for my regular prenatal care. She has been my OBGYN since I first learned I was pregnant with Javi and we LOVE her too.
But because of a change to my insurance that happened *after* the open enrollment period ended, my OBGYN became out of network as of Jan 1.
For two months, we tried to fix, report and appeal this to no avail. My doctor even wrote a note to the NY State of Health that she needed to provide me continued care during this critical time in my pregnancy. No surprise, the insurance companies and the state agencies that regulate them do *not* care about you or your miscarriages or your current pregnancy.
I had to wait until March 1 to get back on insurance she took. It was super stressful. But between the amazing fertility doctor at NYU, my awesome OBGYN and her amazing assistant who researched and found solutions for me, I did not miss — or pay a fortune for — critical testing that had to take place during the months I was not in-network.
I went back to NYU for my 8 week ultrasound (where ultrasounds are a flat rate of $295 after you’ve had your initial appointment).
For my 10 week NIPT, my OBGYN’s assistant discovered an organization through Lab Corp called Moms Helping Moms and the out-of-pocket cost was just $299 total.
And for my 11 week nuchal translucency scan, I went directly to the hospital, which was considered in-network. This allowed for continued care and also saved me thousands.
My two main takeaways: If and when you can, do the testing you’re comfortable with. It’s better to know and be proactive about the things you may want or need to act on. And more, be good to your care team. Even when you are VERY frustrated at the system. Even when you are stressed. Even when you are anxious. When you least expect it, but most need it, they will go above and beyond for you.
My prenatal providers have been healthcare heroes way before we started calling them that.
XOLC
NOTE: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. All photos and content are property of Lauren Cosenza Beauty LLC.
Lauren Cosenza consults for top brands, websites, and magazines and serves as a trusted beauty/fashion/mom expert, a brand ambassador, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a creative director, a published editorial contributor and writer, the creator and owner of DIVAlicious®, the creator and owner of BEAUTYfull®, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker — with a former life at Cosmopolitan, Shape and Bustle/BDG brands. She currently runs Señor Lechuga Hot Sauce with her husband (and baby boy) as the Co-Founder + Head of Brand.
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