is a homebirth a possibility do you think?

[CherryPie3]

copied from childbirth thread - seems to be a little more active over here

Hi guys

Hopefully you lovely ladies will be able to offer some words of wisdom.

I'm a plus size lady weighing a shameful 18 stone which has been accumulated from 2 previous pregnancies and I never got round to losing.

I'm 5'7 and my BMI is 39.5 and I'm currently 19+1 pg with dc3.

I have already been denied delivery on MLU, am under a consultant for a previous prem delivery (35 wks).
Wondering if I get to 37 weeks complication free - would a homebirth be a possibility? Would my weight cause any issues?

I should probably add that I haven't yet discussed this with my MW yet, want to make sure I'm requesting something reasonable first.

Any advice appreciated Surely I can't be the only person in this situation.

[blonde36er]

This site is the bible of homebirth!
www.homebirth.org.uk/

No-one can tell you that you can or cannot have a homebirth, so ultimately it's up to you. Have a look at the site and then discuss it with your midwife

[tartyhighheels]

it is always reasonable to make a request bmi alone will not determine what their opinion is and as long as bp and sugar and all that stuff stay in good times it is reasonable to plan a homebirth. I had a pre term del first time in hospital second and third babies at home pregnant now and having this one here too - it is very much about how much you are prepared to negotiate with people. I am sure for their own ease they may try and put you off but sensible and measured conversations about it is what you need. YOu may find a midwife who will back you and that makes it so much easier.

[anotherusername]

Have they specifically said your weight makes your pregnancy high risk?
If so, you may need to fight for a home birth, mind you I'm having to fight for one when there's no specific higher risk, I think midwives just don't like being on call and having to come out at all hours.

I would definately try to keep very active now though so you don't put on much more weight, I think that would help.

[CherryPie3]

Thank you all so much for your responses.

I think I will enquire about it with my midwife, consultant lady is a bit scary but will discuss with her also - see how far I get before they tell me I'm too fat .

On the other hand - dh seems to have come full circle, now deciding that the excitement starts when you're on your way to have a baby, contractions in the car etc. So seems I need to re-talk to him. Although I partly agree with him . I'm concerned about childcare really I think as I have 2 kids already who will be 3 and 4yo by the time little cherrybaby comes along, I have a lot of thinking to do about it, dh being pretty firm about me labouring in a medical building.

Thanks very much for answering my post - I do appreciate it Will also check out that website.

[Spirael]

I'd say to push for that homebirth! But then, I suspect you already knew I would...

I haven't really got anything to add that you've not read already, though. Only thing would be that this made for some quite interesting reading that DH related to. Thinking of ordering the full book, mostly to give DH a clue about what he's meant to be doing!

...

Mmm... CherryBaby... Sounds tasty!

[/stalk]

[peachybums]

My BMI is higher than what is should be at 34 and im having a homebirth. Ive had two previous pregnancys and both were late (41+4 and 42+1) My midwife said i could have a homebirth this time as long as my blood sugar and pressure was normal and i was over 37 weeks. She also said she wouldnt advise me to have a homebirth if i went over 41 weeks, but thats only advise not that i cant. Shes never mentioned my weight being a big issue just warned me i might find it more difficult than my other two when i was 'normal' BMI. Id discuss it with your midwife and if she says no ask her to fully explain why and all the risks, i dont think they can refuse you a homebirth but i might be wrong. Good luck

[CherryPie3]

Spirael We haven't 'met' for a while have we . I always knew you'd say push for the homebirth and I will mention it to my mw (or a mw) at my next appointment on Friday, I've already got them rallying for me to find out if I'll be allowed to labour in the water pool on the CLU (if it comes to that).

And hands off my cherrybaby

peachybums I will definitely be asking for a full explanation for reason's why not if they say no. Obviously I don't want to put baby or me at any risk and I will take on board what is said to me, but if they're not reasonable, questions wil be asked.

Thank you all for your advice. Makes me almost think it's possible. In fact - I'm more nervous about broaching the subject with dh again.....

xxxx

[greenbeanie]

Cherrypie3, so encouraging to see this thread. I have just found out I am expecting dc3 and my bmi/height is exactly the same. I would love a homebirth especially as dc2 arrived in 2.5 hours but was worried about how far I could push the issue. Do let us know how you get on as it would be lovely to know what can be achieved. Take care

[CherryPie3]

greenbeanie - Congratulations on your pregnancy

I've got an ante-natal appointment on Friday so I'm gonna go armed with questions and a notepad for her answers . Will post the feedback I get from her on here as soon as I can

I knew I wasn't the only one in this situation Lets do this together eh?

Take Care - hope the morning sickness stays away!!
xxx

[greenbeanie]

Cherrypie3, how did your appointment go? Hope all went well and you got the support that you need.

[CherryPie3]

My mw cancelled, had to see someone else who did my blood pressure and nothing else.

Gonne have to wait until my 25wk appointment now I think. Oh well, it's only 4 weeks away - only opportunity I'm gonna get for a really in depth chat I think.

xxx

[greenbeanie]

Good luck with that Cherrypie. At least it gives you a chance to look into all the pros and cons and get your thoughts together so that you can counter any problems that they might raise. Let me know how you get on.

[malteser1981]

I would suggest you check out the brand new RCOG guidelines for management of pregnancy for women with a BMI of over 35. They give guidance to HCP on antenatal and intrapartum care......at least if you read them before you see your midwife you may be better informed about the risks and suggested management and why they will recommend you do not have a homebirth.

[CherryPie3]

Thats brilliant, will check them out.

The more info I have the better.....

Hows the pregnancy going GB?

[greenbeanie]

Ok so far thanks, sickness has kicked in with a vengence and feeling rather dizzy but otherwise ok. Had booking appointment with mw on monday so it feels more offical now!! Just waiting for dating scan appointment. Hope you are well

[CherryPie3]

Hey!

Alls well here, baby moving and squirming around regularly now - strange but nice feeling.

How far along are you now? Hope the sickness creeps away for you - it's by far the most vile feeling to wake up to because it just doesn't fade throughout the day - yuk!!

xx