Lately, it seems like lots of people are on this kick about shunning advanced medical technology, specifically as it relates to pregnancy and childbirth. I keep hearing rants about how irresponsible and weak we women who birth in hospitals are. Like, why wouldn't we all take charge of our own health care, make our own decisions about how our pregnancy and labor should progress, and refuse to take a doctor's advice? Why would we succumb to the risks (no matter how small or unproven) of using ultrasounds or doppler technology to diagnose healthy or complicated pregnancies?
Here's my answer:
You listen to a doctor because they went to school for YEARS to study up and practice caring for people like you. YOU DIDN'T. Reading a few articles online does NOT make you a doctor. The best it can do is prepare you to ask questions to your doctor, who did way more study on the subject than you, and who attends conferences to stay up-to-date on changing medicine.
I get so frustrated when I hear people say that you should not undergo any sort of diagnostic screening during pregnancy. Yeah, people used to go through pregnancy without all this fancy stuff. And, infant mortality back then was higher, and I bet there were many more undocumented miscarriages, too. Well, if I had not had an ultrasound at 20 weeks with my last pregnancy, and if I had refused medical intervention at 24 weeks, there's a decent chance that my daughter would have been born way too premature, and would either have severe disabilities, or maybe not have survived. Furthermore, if I had refused an ultrasound last week, I may not have learned that I already need to be careful about my physical activity, and I would not already have plans set up for this pregnancy to prevent the problems that I had last time.
So, refuse that medical care all you want. But, realize that the risks you are taking are just as great (maybe greater?) as the risks that I take each time I accept medical assistance in my own pregnancy. I'm guessing that most of the women that profess this stuff across the internet have yet to experience their own complications (lucky them). Either that, or they are seriously disillusioned to believe that as long as they love their baby, they can protect it from all harm. Sorry gals, I just don't buy it.
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4 comments:
AMEN. I can't stand some people's "holier than thou" attitudes toward things such as home births, not getting an epidural, etc. Last time I checked - it's my body, so it's my choice. Get all the screenings you need to keep this baby in there and healthy. Keep doing what you're doing, and don't let anyone but a medical professional tell you otherwise.
Totally agree!
I am all about putting my faith in those with the right training- I have my own expertise- doctors have theirs- thank goodness! The biggest risk would seem to be having totally unqualified me make choices over that of someone who knows what they are talking about.
Hope you are doing okay Laura- keep that little one safe!
pregnancy update, please! :)
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