What No One Tells You About Prenatal Testing (And Why You Should Ask More Questions)

You Can Say No: What I Wish I Knew About Prenatal Tests in My First Pregnancy

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I didn’t even know I could decline prenatal tests. I thought I had to say yes to every test and procedure my providers mentioned. It was never framed as a choice — just something they were “letting me know” would happen.

At my 12-week appointment, a nurse told me I’d be doing a glucose test that day. She said it was to “make sure my glucose was normal.” What she didn’t say? I was being given the test early because my BMI was slightly elevated. And that I’d be expected to do it again later in pregnancy.

The more I experienced these types of appointments, the more I started wondering:
Are all these tests really necessary?
Or are they just routine for every pregnant person?

Was I getting personalized care, or just being shuffled through a system?

That curiosity led me down a rabbit hole of research. I wanted to understand what each test was for, what my choices were, and how to make decisions that truly served me and my baby.

A Few Prenatal Tests You Should Know About

As you begin your pregnancy, here are some of the routine tests you’ll likely encounter — and a few things to consider about each:

Urine Analysis + Blood Pressure Monitoring
At every prenatal appointment, your provider will take your vitals and test your urine for sugar, bacteria, ketones, and protein. These indicators can help screen for:

• Gestational diabetes
  
  

• Preeclampsia
  
  

• Infections
  
  

• Nutritional deficiencies
  
  

Blood pressure is also checked at every visit to watch for signs of hypertension or hypotension. But remember — these are snapshots in time. If you experience recurring symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, or persistent headaches, speak up. Your body gives you clues before things become emergencies.

Glucose Testing
Many providers use a glucose tolerance drink called “Glucola” to test for gestational diabetes. But this isn’t your only option.

If you don’t regularly consume large amounts of sugar or prefer a more natural approach, you can ask about alternatives. In my second pregnancy, I chose to track my blood sugar levels with a glucometer for several days before and after meals. It gave me a more accurate picture of how my body was processing sugar — and it felt more aligned with how I wanted to care for myself.

Other Tests You Might Encounter:

• Ultrasounds
  
  

• Fundal height measurements
  
  

• STI screening
  
  

• Blood work (including anemia and Rh factor)
  
  

• Pelvic exams and pap smears
  
  

• Cervical checks
  
  

• Group B Strep (GBS) test around 36 weeks
  
  

Each of these has a purpose — but they also come with choices, risks, and alternatives. That’s why I created My Free Guide to Prenatal Tests & Uncommon Complications — so you can go into your appointments informed, not intimidated.

You Do Have a Choice

This is your body. Your pregnancy. Your birth.
And you have the right to decline any medical test or procedure.

I believe every birthing person deserves clear, non-biased, evidence-based information so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. That means:

• Understanding the benefits, risks, and alternatives
  
  

• Asking questions
  
  

• Taking time to think
  
  

• Asking for studies or sources if needed
  
  

You don’t have to say yes just because it’s routine. You’re not a number. You’re a human — with values, instincts, and autonomy.

When You Know What to Expect, You Can Choose What’s Best

Being informed brings confidence.
It removes fear.
It gives you the power to make medical decisions that reflect your values.

Knowing the purpose of each test (and the pros and cons of each) helps you build a care plan that actually supports you. Taking ownership of your pregnancy allows you to step into your birth from a place of clarity — not confusion.

Because when you start planning for pregnancy with intention, you start planning for the kind of birth you want.

Final Thoughts:

Trust yourself.
Trust God.
Trust your body.

If you’re feeling called to dive deeper into your options, get your questions answered, or simply want a compassionate space to explore what’s best for you — I offer 1:1 virtual calls where you can pick my brain or build out a personalized plan.

I love talking all things pregnancy and birth, especially in a country with rising cesarean and maternal mortality rates. You deserve better. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.