A week before your second trimester, you received a phone call from the doctor asking about medical screenings, and talking you through what testing you might want to consider at this point in your pregnancy.

Medical screenings? Testing? That all sounds a bit scary, doesn’t it? You remember thinking.

If you’ve had a relatively easy and stress-free pregnancy up until now, it might come as a bit of a shock when the doctor strikes up a conversation about medical screenings and recommended testing. However, it’s important to remember that this is a normal part of your pregnancy journey, and that it’s the doctor’s job to ensure you’re informed about what tests should be recommended to you at this point.

So, if the prospect of medical screenings and tests is something that you are dealing with at the moment, remember that it’s normal to feel a little uncertain or worried - especially if the doctor is leaving a medical decision in your hands.

Here are a few tips to help you out during this time:

Remember that the decision to test is yours and your partners. When it comes to some tests, your doctor will let you know that it is your decision whether you want to test or not, as they can’t guarantee that some invasive procedures won’t disrupt a pregnancy. Remember, the decision to test is yours and your partners, even though the doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of testing.

Remember that this may be the first of many decisions that you might have to make about the health and wellbeing of your child. Having to make one of the first decisions related to your future child’s health can feel scary and uncertain. However, it’s good to become oriented and more confident with this part of parenting sooner rather than later, as it’s likely you’ll have to make more decisions like this in the future, such as those related to circumcision, sleep training, weaning, and potty training.

Remember that testing can provide medical information to help you to prepare for difficult outcomes. Even if you would never consider a termination, testing can provide you with medical information to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances surrounding your child’s birth or overall health. Testing can help you get your emotional and medical support systems in place.

Try not to be offended if your doctor uses insensitive language when speaking in medical terms. For example, if you are over 35, you may hear your doctor refer to you as having an ‘advanced maternal age’. Of course, this can feel hurtful, but they’re not saying it to personally criticise you - rather they are referring to a bench-mark for an increased need for clinical vigilance and medical monitoring.

Don’t be afraid to communicate with your doctor if you feel stressed or uncomfortable. As a patient, there may be times when you feel vulnerable being in the care of someone else you don’t know. Remember that you always have the right to speak up and give direct feedback to any health professional who you believe is being insensitive. Your feelings matter!

What are medical screenings, and should I have them done during my pregnancy?

What kind of medical screenings? Please listen to your doctor's concerns if they think tests are required when your pregnant.