Pregnant during K-1

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Another issue is you will need a chest x-ray during the medical for the K1. Some people don't like the idea of having an x-ray while pregnant. If you don't have the x-ray you'll need to have it done before you'll get the visa which means waiting until you've given birth.

The Technical Instructions to Panel Physicians addresses the screening for TB.

•Use lead shielding for women of childbearing age.Pregnant women who are asymptomatic* may request that no chest radiograph be taken.

Note this request on medical report form and advise applicant to obtain skin test after arrival in U.S.

If your doctor notes you have no history or symptoms, the testing for TB likely can be waived because TB isn't widespread in the UK.

About shots--

General contraindications for the administration of a vaccine include:

•Pregnancy as a contraindication for receiving live attenuated vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, oral poliovirus, varicella, and intranasal influenza

The following conditions are not contraindications for the administration of a vaccine:

•Pregnancy for receiving Td, Tdap, inactivated influenza, or hepatitis B vaccine

[VanessaTony 3,567]

The Technical Instructions to Panel Physicians addresses the screening for TB.

•Use lead shielding for women of childbearing age.Pregnant women who are asymptomatic* may request that no chest radiograph be taken.

Note this request on medical report form and advise applicant to obtain skin test after arrival in U.S.

If your doctor notes you have no history or symptoms, the testing for TB likely can be waived because TB isn't widespread in the UK.

About shots--

General contraindications for the administration of a vaccine include:

•Pregnancy as a contraindication for receiving live attenuated vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, oral poliovirus, varicella, and intranasal influenza

The following conditions are not contraindications for the administration of a vaccine:

•Pregnancy for receiving Td, Tdap, inactivated influenza, or hepatitis B vaccine

There was a recent(ish) update I remember reading about where the x-ray cannot be waived any more. When I get a chance I'll find the link. Maybe it was country specific, but I don't know for sure until I locate it.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Okay so I found one reference to it here: http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/iv_faqs.htm#22 I believe it applies in the countries that treat K1's as immigrant visas (but it could also be countries where TB is rampant.. I don't know if it is in China though). I know that though the K1 is technically a non-immigrant visa, Australia for example, treats the requirements (for the medical at least) the same as immigrant. You select the immigrant option at the interview, you MUST have the required vaccinations and you MUST have the chest x-ray.

Per this link: http://london.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/marriage-to-a-u.s.-citizen.html UK considers K1 as an immigrant visa.

Here: http://london.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/medical-examination.html states: "Pregnant women may forgo the X-ray if they so wish. However, they will be required to have an X-ray in the United States after the birth of the child." so you're right there Good news for the OP

Also out of interest, when quoting something you should post the link so other people can verify the information, and find out the context and what not.

Out of interest though, here: http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/pdf/tuberculosis-ti-2009.pdf page number 5 or PDF page 8 states: "Women who are pregnant are required to have a CXR to immigrate. Pregnant women must provide consent for the CXR. Pregnant women receiving chest radiographs should be provided abdominal and pelvic protection with double-layer, wrap-around lead shields."

The preface, or PDF page 3 states: "The medical screening for tuberculosis among persons overseas applying for U.S. immigration status and nonimmigrants who are required to have an overseas medical examination, hereafter referred to as applicants, is an essential component of the medical evaluation."

Based on the above, the knowledge that K1's require a medical, you can see that it appears she WOULD normally need it, except UK is permitting her not to (this is country specific).

Anyway, panel physician instructions for those interested: http://www.cdc.gov/panelphysicians/technical-instructions.html

Edited September 12, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[Helen Louise Pile 80]

Vanessa: It's funny that the cost of health care here scares you but giving birth in an NHS hospital scares me!!

If you have good insurance you needn't be bankrupted by pregnancy. Depends on the insurance cover I guess. I am all new to this insurance malarkey but as I want to start a family at some point I have made sure I have insurance that is good for that in case it happens earlier than planned. (and dental...because I have good old NHS dental problems too)

Apologies for taking it off topic.

I hope the OP had her questions answered and has some good information!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Vanessa: It's funny that the cost of health care here scares you but giving birth in an NHS hospital scares me!!

If you have good insurance you needn't be bankrupted by pregnancy. Depends on the insurance cover I guess. I am all new to this insurance malarkey but as I want to start a family at some point I have made sure I have insurance that is good for that in case it happens earlier than planned. (and dental...because I have good old NHS dental problems too)

Apologies for taking it off topic.

I hope the OP had her questions answered and has some good information!

Lol sorry to kinda take off-topic again, we have Blue Cross Blue Shield medical and Delta Dental and it still scares the ####### out of me. it's more the unknown. Not being sure what to expect. Wondering what exactly IS covered and what isn't. Worried about out-of-pocket. We have pregnancy coverage, I've read all the paperwork a million times but until we actually get to the stage of using the health care I don't entirely know what to expect. I'm gunna start small, like with chiro visits.

FINALLY got the courage up to go to the dentist. That wasn't too bad either Husband had to have his wisdom teeth taken out and I braved a check-up. Happy to report I am not broke Woot! Oh and DEFINITELY cheaper to get wisdom teeth out here in the US (cost us $110 for 2, under general) and my check-up (cleaning, check-up, x-rays) was free. Oh wonder of wonders. Fillings are around $40.. I'm still waiting for that bill (they charge my insurance first and then I pay the difference apparently). Woot again

Once we actually start planning kids that's when I'll research the ####### out of it (what hospitals, what isn't covered, worst case scenarios etc etc) and then, save for my flight back to Aus where health care actually isn't too bad and giving birth there won't drive us broke