12/30/2021
But ultrasounds?! Nope. The glucose test?! Nope. Cervical checks!?! Hard nope.
(This is a repost, but an important one.)
During your prenatal care, there are tests and procedures that you will be told you “have to” have. It’s not true.
You don’t HAVE to do anything.
You get to decide what feels right for you, whether that’s doing everything suggested, doing some of it, doing none of it, or doing some alternatives.
The same tests that are suggested to you will be suggested to your neighbor and your aunt and your best friend if they are pregnant. This care is not individualized, it’s standardized, and for the care provider’s benefit.
It’s easier to just have everyone under the same blanket than to think about what works for that particular person based on their health, risks, desires, etc. That takes more time, that takes more research, that takes more empathy.
You want skip all ultrsounds except the anatomy scan? Do it.
Want an alternative to the toxic Glucola drink? Say that.
Don’t want cervical checks because they mean nothing before labor and can introduce bacteria or break your water accidentally (or on purpose)? Skip them.
You are in charge. It’s your body, your baby, your choice. End of story.
