[Loopsy]

I am 40 expecting baby no 6- due date 12 th march. I am getting the absolute run around by the public hospital I am meant to be delivering at.I have been attending a high risk clinic, I was told I had to due to 2 previous c sections, my age, large babies and pelvic pubic dysfunction.The care has been very sub standard, I have not seen the same dr more than once and I have only been seen 7 times in 36 weeks.
Last 3 babies were born at 37 weeks in perth. due to being big babies and my pelvic issues. This time my pelvis gave way much earlier and I have been in crutches for weeks now. Physio have wiped their hands of me saying they cannot do nothing more for me.. I cannot take pain relief due to bowel issues.
I attended the clinic last week and they are refusing to do a c section until 39 weeks. I spent 5 hours in maternity on the same day, saw a very Arrogant obstetrician who told me I was risking my baby going to special care " that I would be separated from her" that earliest they would do a c sec is 38 1/2 weeks cause they only do c's on Thursday. I was also told that id have to have 2 doses of steroids and they booked me for those. i filled put paper work for 38 1/2 weeks. i left very distressed, he gave me no tips as to how to sleep, manage pain etc. in fact he told me to gently walk around the block.. ( I am on crutches)
The next day I get a call from bookings, to say they have a c sec date.. I queried it as it was dead on 37 weeks, the clerk says " oops wrong patient" we will be in touch.
I then get a call from midwife booking person who says I have a date for you, it's spot on 39 weeks, I explain my visit last Thursday etc, and she says we don't do c sections on Thursdays, the week u turn 38 weeks we are already booked out.. Discuss it with mat a clinic on Thursday. ( I might add , I only have an appointment on Thursday with mat a cause I put in a written compliant, when I left last weeks appointment they didn't even give me my notes or mother appointment)
I am in constant pain, I'm not sleeping, I have severe bowel issues, pain across my old c section scar. I feel exhausted, emotionally wrecked and no longer excited. I am worried that if I am so exhausted I will be unable to bond or look after this baby or my other children. That despite breast feeding 5 other babies, that will be an issue.It hasn't been an easy pregnancy, I had severe morning sickness and on zofran, all the issues above. I had an ultrasound at 32 weeks, and baby was already 5 1/2 pounds then and on 97th percentile for growth. I'm now measuring 40 weeks fundql height. I've only gained 4 kilos this pregnancy that's why they did an ultrasound.
I am at a loss as to what to do...Advice?
People experiences
Suggestions please..

[Corella]

It sounds like a really tough situation but probably not because of the hospital.

You won't see the same person twice in a public setting . And at 36 weeks most second and subsequent pregnancies would be seen maybe 5 or 6 times at my local hospital, so that's more than usual? But the run around with the section date is just ridiculous, how awful and distressing.

I know locally that elective sections are not able to be booked before 38 weeks in the public hospitals unless life is at risk. BUT your mental health is so important and I hope you get some support soon.

I'd be contacting the patient liaison complaints type person immediately on Monday with what you want - appointments for the rest of your pregnancy, a section date and mental health support and Physio!

[soontobegran]

I feel very sorry for you, I really do. I know how I was feeling from about 34 weeks with #5 with my pelvic pain, I also begged for a C/S but even as a private patient I was told that my symptoms didn't justify a pre term C/S and after the event I am glad they did that.

Being seen 7 times antenatally is pretty standard and also about the same number of visits at 36 weeks as would be seen privately.
I know you are feeling as though people have wiped their hands of you but with pelvic girdle pain or SPD there is really nothing that will help other than delivery but delivery should really not be undertaken at a gestation which may see your baby at risk due to prematurity so most hospitals do have a minimum gestation for elective C/S.

Public Hospitals just can't pick a day they do their elective C/S's they are very much restricted by other surgery taking place in the hospital and access of anaesthetists and paediatricians etc so they are not trying to be difficult, they have their hands tied except for emergency cases. This is why you have been given the date you have.

Is there anyway you can enlist some help from family and friends for these last couple of weeks so that you can rest up? Could you get your GP to look into some council help?
I am not in anyway trying to minimise what you are going through, I really get the physical and mental exhaustion but there is a very fine line between looking after the needs of the mother and the baby when there is no urgent situation.
Very, very soon your little one will be in your arms. I was so very glad that my pregnancy was over when I had my last that it did not affect our bonding or breastfeeding experience at all.

Lots and lots of good wishes.

[kez71]

aww hugs to you. I can understand how frustrated you must feel and being in constant pain can't help matters.

I wanted to add that im 41 and also high risk due to blood clotting disorder, age, IVF, GD and 3 previous MC's, but im 32 weeks tommorow and have only been seen 4 times. I see a private obstetrician, but see him as a public patient, so being seen 7 times is a lot more than ive had, though it has been the same doctor each time. I didn't get to see anyone at all until 18 weeks, not even the IVF doctor, with all my high risks Id have thought id be seen and monitored closely.

I hope they can sort out your CS date soon