Anastasia’s pregnancy diary – weeks 22-24

1. I have never had a urine test
2. I have never been weighed
3. I have never had a blood test.
4. My ‘fundus’ (length of uterus/bump) has never been measured.

Better in Britain

The part I prefer about birth in the UK versus America is the much more natural approach. The minute you walk into the hospital in the US, you’re hooked up to various machines (designed to prevent future lawsuits, I suspect) and are tethered to the bed and stuck lying on your back for the duration. They’re very quick to recommend an epidural (not that I object to that, but I wouldn’t want it as a matter of course, if I could cope without). There’s no gas and air, and no opportunity to give birth standing up with gravity on your side. They may have beautifully furnished private ‘family rooms’ with lovely wooden beds that even accommodate Daddy, but regular American hospitals have none of the ‘holistic’ elements that I really like (birthing balls, birthing pools). And the absence of midwives means that doctors, always on tight schedules, are probably more likely to intervene to ‘get it over with.’

So there are pros and cons to both approaches. The best one probably lies somewhere in the middle. I really would appreciate more antenatal attention. On the other hand, what a nuisance to have to waddle over to the doctor’s office so often. And I am secretly thrilled that I have never, ever had to step on the scales in front of anyone. My blood pressure is surely lower as a result.

See Josa's pregnancy diary for week 22.