Many parents worry about what to do differently when they get pregnant again, especially those that have had a child with special needs. Consumer reports put out this list of things and I wanted to share it with you this month. The media, friends and doctors in the US confuse mothers. In addition they do not have the resources they need to make decisions sometimes. Our health care model is designed for you to spend 2 minutes with a doctor and hope you get your problem addressed, for those that are pregnant it’s worse because you are asked to undress and throw a gown on then lie back on the table waiting for the doctor to come in. Once the doctor gets to you they spend their time down below and engaging in conversation is somewhat odd.
Just as most of traditional medicine, the procedures in pregnancy tend to be overused and this will help guide you to take action and get informed so you feel comfortable having a procedure because you “need” it. You want to be informed about the best option for you and your baby, denying these outright is not safe but making sure you need them is safe.
10 procedures to be more informed about before proceeding
Cesarean section (aka c-section) with a low-risk first birth
An automatic second c-section
An elective early delivery
Inducing labor without a medical reason
Ultrasounds after 24 weeks
Continuous electronic fetal monitoring
Early epidurals
Routinely rupturing the amniotic membranes
Routine episiotomies
Sending your newborn to the nursery
10 procedures to be more informed about before proceeding
Find out your due date
Make a birthing plan with your partner and share with your providers
Consider a midwife
Reduce the risks of early delivery
See a chiropractor to ensure best positioning and comfort throughout pregnancy
During early labor, labor where you feel most comfortable
Have labor support present such as a doula
Listen to your body
Be patient
Have skin to skin contact with the baby when they are first born
You can read more about parts of this article here.
