We went to an in-law family gathering on Saturday, and during the course of conversation, I revealed that we never had an ultrasound while pregnant with Zoey. Now I keep thinking about it and being annoyed with myself for not discussing it a little more, as everyone seemed rather shocked that we wouldn't have gotten one. Nicely shocked, of course, but confused nonetheless. :)
So, because I really think it's important for experiences that are 'outside the norm' to be shared more often, I am going talk about it here on my blog. Not as good as regular conversation, of course, but I'll feel less regret regarding the fact that I didn't elaborate on the topic in person.
Also, keep in mind I'm completely understanding of others' choices, but I feel the need to share due to the fact that our choice is the choice less taken. And actually, I think people probably don't even realize there is a choice, as many docs these days take it as a given that folks will want an ultrasound (or 2 or 3 or 4).
We decided not to get ultrasounds done with Zoey for a variety of reasons. For one, the American Pregnancy Association recommends ultrasounds "when medically necessary". Had one been medically necessary for us, we would have done it. We didn't want to know the sex of the baby ahead of time, and we knew that other things (like twins, fluid, or positioning, etc.) would have been detected by the midwife using non-invasive methods. And other things that couldn't be 'felt' with a midwives hands would show up in other observable symptoms, which would then lead to that medical necessity mentioned above. Many folks get ultrasounds to determine due date... I was very aware of my ovulation date and figured out Zoey's due date based on that (and was apparently spot on, as she was only 6 days late, typical for a first time mom). It's an example of knowing and trusting your body, which unfortunately we aren't really encouraged to do in our society. Finally, it's only been in the recent past that ultrasounds have suddenly been performed soooo frequently and as a definite part of prenatal care. So to me that signals it's not a 'need' but more of a 'want', plus it just made us worry a bit about long-term research that hasn't been done.
So there you have it. Again, I do not judge anyone for their choices, and I hope you don't judge me for mine. I just needed to share this perspective, as I think it's one we don't hear in the modern medical world.
p.s. The Zoey birth story is still coming one day... I started it and have notes that I took the week after she was born so as not to forget anything. You know, it's just tough finding time in baby land, ha ha. At the moment she's snoozing, so maybe I'll start on it. ;)
So, because I really think it's important for experiences that are 'outside the norm' to be shared more often, I am going talk about it here on my blog. Not as good as regular conversation, of course, but I'll feel less regret regarding the fact that I didn't elaborate on the topic in person.
Also, keep in mind I'm completely understanding of others' choices, but I feel the need to share due to the fact that our choice is the choice less taken. And actually, I think people probably don't even realize there is a choice, as many docs these days take it as a given that folks will want an ultrasound (or 2 or 3 or 4).
We decided not to get ultrasounds done with Zoey for a variety of reasons. For one, the American Pregnancy Association recommends ultrasounds "when medically necessary". Had one been medically necessary for us, we would have done it. We didn't want to know the sex of the baby ahead of time, and we knew that other things (like twins, fluid, or positioning, etc.) would have been detected by the midwife using non-invasive methods. And other things that couldn't be 'felt' with a midwives hands would show up in other observable symptoms, which would then lead to that medical necessity mentioned above. Many folks get ultrasounds to determine due date... I was very aware of my ovulation date and figured out Zoey's due date based on that (and was apparently spot on, as she was only 6 days late, typical for a first time mom). It's an example of knowing and trusting your body, which unfortunately we aren't really encouraged to do in our society. Finally, it's only been in the recent past that ultrasounds have suddenly been performed soooo frequently and as a definite part of prenatal care. So to me that signals it's not a 'need' but more of a 'want', plus it just made us worry a bit about long-term research that hasn't been done.
So there you have it. Again, I do not judge anyone for their choices, and I hope you don't judge me for mine. I just needed to share this perspective, as I think it's one we don't hear in the modern medical world.
p.s. The Zoey birth story is still coming one day... I started it and have notes that I took the week after she was born so as not to forget anything. You know, it's just tough finding time in baby land, ha ha. At the moment she's snoozing, so maybe I'll start on it. ;)
