My name is Marilyn Baker, and I have horrible allergies. I’m 42 years old and have been suffering from allergies since I was a child. I have seasonal and environmental allergies. Allergies plague me year round. When I was young, my parents even moved to a dryer area in the hope of helping me. Over the past eight years, I have done extensive research both through doctors and online. I have managed to come up with some combinations that have helped me a great deal. My allergies aren’t gone, but they have become manageable. I do have to have allergy shots, but I also use some natural remedies. I am happy to be able to share my findings with you here on my blog. I hope you can find some of this of value.
According to conventional body mass index (BMI) measurements, it is estimated that about 1 in 3 women, of childbearing age, is overweight with about 8 percent of this demographic falling into the category of morbid obesity. Since it is also estimated that there is almost a 20 percent increase in the risk of congenital problems developing before, during or after pregnancy in overweight mothers, you might find yourself being encouraged to more prenatal tests than regular-sized women and this includes ultrasound. Unfortunately, it has also been found that nearly 2 out of every 5 medical students were predisposed to bias against those who are overweight.
So if you fall into this demographic and are pregnant or considering getting pregnant, here are some ways to ensure that you get the best and most effective treatment during your ultrasound procedures.
Be prepared
Many women who are overweight also struggle with body image issues. However, being prepared with information can help to ensure that your concerns and possible self-consciousness do not override your right to proper attention and care. Being prepared can also help you to be more assertive in getting care. Part of being prepared is knowing that incomplete results from an ultrasound can just as easily be caused by the inexperience and ineffective techniques of the technician as by body fat, so being told that a good reading is not possible simply due to fat should not be acceptable.
Other problems that could be responsible for incomplete results include equipment malfunction, the size and position of the baby and the number of weeks of pregnancy. It is important to note these beforehand so that you can participate in an informed discussion with your health care provider or technician on the results of your ultrasound.
Shop around
Since not all physicians are particular to providing the best care to overweight patients, it is best to shop around in the initial phase of your pregnancy so that the medical team you have knows and cares for your needs. You could discuss your concerns with your regular doctor who might be able to refer you to an obstetrician that you can be comfortable with. If you choose not to take that route, then you should be prepared to discuss issues such as pressing too hard on your tummy to get a reading, as well as what exactly is meant when they determine an incomplete reading.
Speak up about any rudeness, snide remarks or disrespectful behavior and if there is no change, report the technician to their supervisor. Even without the cost of between $100 and $1,000, depending on the type of ultrasound, you should be treated well and fairly. Remember, too, that unless there is an actual cause for concern, you do not have to do a fetal ultrasound. For more information on ultrasounds, visit a site like http://www.evdi.com.
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