Knowledge is power.

I had my 36-week prenatal appointment this week and my fundal height measured smaller than my gestation so they ended up sending me for an ultrasound to confirm that the baby’s growth was on target. When I was having the ultrasound done, I got a little freaked out thinking that if something wasn’t right I’d have to possibly be induced…and soon! Thankfully baby measured just right and all is well; but as the female ultrasonographer scanned my belly we started chatting. I had told her that because I’m considered ‘advanced maternal age’, (which for those of you who don’t know, is any woman over 35 who’s pregnant) it was recommended to me by one midwife to have weekly ultrasounds and non stress tests of the baby from now until delivery. I asked if I really had to do it and the ultrasound woman said,  “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.” And that struck me. She was right. I did feel like it was a bit much--after all I am only 37! But wouldn’t I do everything I had to to make sure my baby and body were ok from now until delivery? I had given into the idea and was going to do whatever it took to keep my baby healthy and safe.  

This interaction got me thinking about women who come into labor & delivery completely unarmed with information or any knowledge about the process. They willingly hand over care of their bodies and their babies to the health care team -- no questions asked. They accept any and every intervention we throw at them and don’t challenge a thing. As a nurse and patient advocate, I always tell women they have the right to refuse any of the recommended interventions and that they have a voice and a vote. Many do not realize this. They think ‘Doctors know best’ and just let them do what needs to be done. This never ceases to amaze me. Most of my patients are well-educated women and they just relinquish control and say,  “Do whatever you need to do”. Now don’t get me wrong, in some situations challenging medical intervention is not safe. If you take this into your own hands, you have to realize you are accountable for your choices and assume the risks that go along with your decisions. It’s a fine line for sure. I would recommend consulting with your partner and health care team to make the best, most informed choice. I am in no way encouraging patients to come in and be non-compliant. I’m just suggesting that we don’t accept any and all of the medical interventions that are thrown at us. It is also the responsibility of your nurse and medical provider (whether it be a doctor or midwife) to provide you with all the information, side effects, risks and benefits of each medicine and procedure. All in all, I’m encouraging you to ask questions, be armed with knowledge and make the best decision for yourself and your baby.  It’s your pregnancy and birth experience and you should be an integral part of the process.