Home Monitoring ???
MASCCUA.MACK04 (MASCCUA.MACK04@ssw.alcoa.com)
28 Mar 1996 08:51:08 EST
I've been reading all the discussions about dilating w/o contractions and
it takes me back (8 weeks) to before the girls were born. After being
released from the hospital the first time, Lisa started on home
monitoring. Twice each day she spent an hour on a monitor and then
modemed in the results (to Atlanta, I believe). They called back with
the results. Each time pretty much the same - a few "minor"
contractions, but nothing to worry about. After 1 1/2 weeks, a trip back
to the doctor and she was now dilated 1-2 cm. Into the hospital and that
was the end of the home monitoring.
In hindsight, Lisa says she knows now when her cervix dilated - 6 days
before the doctor's visit!! She put the monitor on an extra time that
day and sent in the results. More contractions than normal, but still
nothing to worry about.
I know we had a "discussion" with our insurance company about home
monitoring. It was still considered experimental, so they wouldn't cover
it. After a letter from our doctor (she has a way of getting her way),
they agreed. I'm now not so sure it was the right thing to do. Does
anyone have a SUCCESSFUL experience with these home monitoring services?
I mean, did they pick up contractions that you otherwise didn't know you
were having and could time yourself? I'm afraid this may have given us a
false sense of security.
(By the way - the serious $$$$ hasn't started rolling in yet, but I'm
very happy with our insurance so far. They've been extremely willing to
work with us in our unique situation (>4 hours from home, etc.).
John - father of 3 little darlings - Lauren, Rachel, & Emily