[Lickety Split]

Had my OB appointment today at 37+4. Going public so I see a different OB each time. This OB told me I'd have to come in as soon as the contractions were less than 10mins apart as they will want to monitor me the entire time and I'll have to have a drip in straight away. This does not sound like something I want. Happy to be monitored but non-stop from so early on?

Now that it's looking like I'll have a less active birth I'm less keen on the idea of having a VBAC at all. If it means being stuck on a bed from the get go I think I'd rather the caesar

[Gembac8019]

Why do u need a drip in so soon? I just had a vba2c and had no drip, also in public hospital.

[naturalgoodness]

I was told a similar story when having DD2 - not the drip but the constant monitoring. Anyway, I arrived at the hospital with contractions under 3 minutes apart and they were unable to hook me up to anything and only realised after the birth (30 minutes later) that I was a VBAC and should have been monitored!

I tried to stay home as long as possible because I did not want to be tied to a bed undergoing constant monitoring too early into labour.

Next appt have a talk about the drip and why they want it in so early. At the end of the day though, when you present at the hospital is your choice

[madammuck]

It's policy to be monitored constantly at our hospital too, annoying. But the midwife told me last appointment that the majority of their monitors can move around the room with you, and I'm sure she said go in water too (but I could have made that up). I imagine they'd still be a bit restrictive but better than being on a bed the whole time.

Can you check to see if your hospital have any monitors like these and then request one as soon as you present in labour?

But as PPs have said, I've heard a few stories where once they actually get to the labour ward, the constant monitoring rule is less strict but really dependent on the midwife you get on the day.

Don't lose hope OP, you can do it!

[Minxybug]

You can have telemetry monitoring, this is cordless and can get wet as far as I know.

You can also have the ob sign a non standard management sticker (placed on your file) which states that you do not want a cannula ect, that you are aware of the risks and after discussion (in labour) may consent if it is medically necessary

Hope that information helps.

You may need to check if the hospital has the telemetry monitors and how many as it could be a first come first served basis. Also make sure to tell them you want this type of monitoring when you ring (once labour starts)

[~shannon~]

OP, I could have written your post word for word. I had my 36 week appointment today and was told I could not get in the bath or the shower at all. I am, to be honest, devastated... because I have wanted this for my first two children and now my plan to be in water for baby #3 is slipping away.

They also said they'd want the cannula in as soon as possible "just in case" something goes wrong... bugger that! I'm not letting them near me! They did this to me for my first baby and it was completely unnecessary and caused me pain and stress.

I am low risk, healthy and have already birthed naturally, so I know I can do it. Yet, because of the caesar I had for my second child, the ob just kept going on and on and on about risk of uterine rupture. I am hoping I get a good midwife at my next appointment who understands my birth preferences and will relax a bit.

Minxybug, I have never heard of telemetry monitoring, can you provide a link? I don't think my hospital has this, otherwise she might have suggested it. All she said was I could be strapped up to the machine for external monitoring, or have my waters broken for internal monitoring with the electrode (which can't be in water either due to the fact that it's electric).

[Lickety Split]

They only have one cordless monitor and if it's already being used then tough luck. I have another OB appt on Wednesday (I'll be 39+3) and I'll see if the monitoring and drip are absolutely necessary because coming in so early and being so restricted (cannot use bath or shower at all either) sounds like torture.

[Eirinn]

The telemetry monitor can be used in the shower but not the bath, and yes , it is sheer luck if you are able to get it. I found when I transferred to hospital (planned HBAC), that even though I got the telemetry, it got a whole stack of interference every time I tried to get into the shower, so I couldn't even have that comfort. I was NOT expecting the monitor and the drip, and it really interfered. My labour stalled and I ended up with another caesar. I would strongly, strongly recommend staying at home for as long as possible if you want your VBAC.

[Lickety Split]

Thanks Eirinn. We live 45mins drive from the hospital and there have been quite a few bubs born on the side of the highway so I don't want to leave it too late but totally get what you are saying.

[LittleC]

Fingers crossed for you that no one else is using the telemetry monitor when its time for you to go to the Hospital. I'm going for a VBAC as well but haven't had my ob appointment yet to discuss any of these issues with him as I'm not quite that far along (36 weeks is when I see him) I will be asking if they use one of these at the hospital. i live in a rural town so my guess is we may not have those little luxuries.