One thing that has been very difficult for me this pregnancy is choosing what tests I want. In the beginning we chose not to do any genetic testing. Later, I chose to go through with the glucose tolerance test (for example). The risk with each of these types of tests is that a label, whether it is accurate or not, can affect the kind of birth I have. Not only from my practitioner’s point of view but also from mine. For instance, the more I find “wrong”, the less I believe in my body’s ability to have a natural pregnancy and birth. This is a hard line to walk for me. It involves LOTS of reading and polling before going through with any test. What do you think? Do you think we are hurting or helping ourselves with all of the tests available for pregnant women?
I think the important thing I think the important thing to remember is what is accomplished by the tests. With the glucose test for example, it can indicate diabetes, in which case you can adapt your behavior to significantly effect the baby’s outcome. I think natural birth is as important as the next person, but the baby’s health should come first! If it’s AFP or something in which nothing can be done, there’s really no point but reassurance.