im interested to know

[workin'mumof2]

do home birthers get scans or tests for GBS or gestational diabeties, placenta previa ect?

what tests or scans do you see as a must do?

[PookieLady]

Everyone has their own opinion and thats the best thing about homebirth is you make all the discissions.
Some have all the test n scans someone have none and some pick n choose depending on what suits them.

Sarah

[MilkOnTap]

Yup - what PL said :)

Everything about pregnancy should be an individual choice - not something that your coerced into participating in by medical professionals.

I dont think there are any 'musts' throughout pregnancy - but sometimes they can provide peace of mind - in which case IMO that is a positive thing.

Personally, I've had a few scans so far. My first was to confirm it wasn't ectopic due to history of ectopics - second was a dating scan because the first one was too early - and third was the 12wk scan simply for my own peace of mind (just to see the baby - I didnt bother with the nuchal component). I've booked in my 18wk scan for 3 weeks time but still deciding whether to attend or not. My IM is encouraging me to have the scan to check on the position of the placenta and I'm still deciding whether or not to find out the sex - so I probably will end up keeping the appointment. If the placenta is positioned well then I certainly dont plan on any further scans throughout the pregnancy.

I had gestational diabetes with Jedd - but it wasn't diagnosed until 37 weeks when I requested a second test. Personally I'd prefer to monitor my body for signs and just watch my food intake and exercise correctly through the pregnancy and not bother with the standard test at 26wks, but I'll chat to my IM about it closer to the time.

I'm also booked into the birth centre with the MGP (Midwifery Group Practise) at my local hospital as a backup. Not that I feel that I'll use this - since if I DO have to transfer then it would be because intervention or an emergency c/sect is required - in which case the birth centre wont be any good to me anyway.

None of these things are 'compulsory' - nor is there a set procedure or plan for a woman who is homebirthing. Its YOUR pregnancy, so YOU decide what you do and dont want. I think learning to claim your pregnancy for yourself is a large part of it, and quite possibly why so many of us are here in this homebirthing forum.

[doulacara]

I agree with the others.

One of the best things about HB is that no one is telling me what tests to take, just because they are routine and I have learned a lot more by researching my options.

[stellarella]

I don't see any as a must do...all should be used conservatively and for women who indicate they might be "at risk."

None should be routine.

I got bloods taken to check iron because I am a vego and had low iron in my last pregnancy.

I had the morpholgy scan but wouldn't have it again.

That's it :)

[mummyof5]

My 1st m/w was also a registered nurse practioner (think that's the right label :o), and did all bloods etc herself. Didn't do scans unless needed to check on things though.
2nd m/w (different states) used ob back up to order tests (I was HBAC for 3,4 and 5). He wanted 18 wk scans, so I had them done.
I refused the GD test for last couple of pregnancies (after it became the norm to do). Was GBS pos for last baby, so she had a shot of penicillan at a few hours old (ordered by OB, but administered at home by m/w).
You are entitled to say no to any test you are not willing to have done...your body, your baby!