So, today I cancelled my 20 week ultrasound. Do you know how much those things cost?! It's ridiculous. And while getting to see the little one is so incredibly cool, we aren't convinced it's worth it. Especially considering that we aren't finding out the sex. We are terrified we will "accidentally" find out. And considering that we are having a healthy pregnancy, it's not necessary. So...I cancelled it and we will tell the doc at my appointment next week. Hopefully he's OK w/ it, but if not..well he can't force us.
We declined all the extra tests as well, and we're nearing the time for those, I'm not sure if the doc will ask us again about them or not. I feel certain that when we leave the office the doctor and nurse will roll their eyes, but that's OK, being a parent means doing what you feel is best and right for your family.
We think saving the $240 and the chance of knowing what we don't want to know, is important enough to be "those" people.
We declined all the extra little tests, too. There was one that tests for Downs, and we asked what would be the benefit of KNOWING? And you know what was the first thing out of the CATHOLIC MIDWIFE AT A CATHOLIC RUN CENTER??? "Some women want to abort if the child has Downs." WHAT??
ReplyDeleteOh that is so terrible! If the test was actually accurate and you were at risk (older maternal age) I could see getting it so you could be prepared. But the test now is not super accurate, and is dangerous. We wouldn't do it anyway, but imagine how many women kill their babies and the test that convinced them to was inaccurate. :(
ReplyDeleteI just think there are so many other things the ultrasound can prepare you for. I know a few instances where the women found out really crucial information about their pregnancies, i.e. one who is scheduled for a c-sec here next week at 34weeks because at her 20 week ultrasound they found out her baby did not have any kidneys. The baby will not survive after the umbilical cord is cut. On of my husbands co-workers just had a baby in Jan who was born with all of his guts on the outside of his chest cavity, that required a team of specialists in the room at delivery. Also another woman found out that she had a one vessel umbilical cord and there were extra precautions she needed to take to ensure the baby would continue to grow properly. They take very important measurements of everything to ensure everything is growing as it should be...and if they do find something in the ultrasound they can be more prepared to handle it at delivery. Finding out the sex of the baby is just a perk for those who want to know, finding out the health of the baby is really the purpose. I just hope you will not regret this when in the delivery room, babies are very delicate, and a healthy pregnancy and baby starts with healthy pre-natal care.
ReplyDeleteI know those instances happen Trish, but they're pretty rare actually. And often you have other signs of odd things during the pregnancy. But we are more of the "be healthy, and do what you can but in the end, it's in God's hands" variety. Not that we wouldn't take medical measures, but if you stress about everything, more problems can occur. I know that from first hand experience; with Dominic my freaking out ness caused extra problems. Rashes, swelling, bleah.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's totally a personal choice. Rarely will an ultrasound find something so life changing. And in many cases when something is wrong the baby will fail to grow, the doctor will then order one with cause, and you can find out if something is truly wrong.
ReplyDeleteAnd they don't catch everything. They didn't see my daughter's polydactyly of the hands and feet.
Stephanie, that's my thing...they don't always catch it and sometimes they see things that aren't there. Or assume things aren't going right and cause needless stress. It's a matter of weighing the risks and benefits. Not to mention, extensive studies haven't been done on the effect of frequent u/s on infants. It's considered safe right now but it's because the data really isn't there.
ReplyDeleteThat was her second note about being prepared, although she said there isn't a whole lot at the beginning that's different, except perhaps heart trouble. But some people would prefer to know. But the fact that the first thing she said was about an abortion??
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