Balloon induction, self-discharge to wait at home

[Goostacean]

Currently 39+5, aiming for VBAC after EMCS 2years ago at 41+5 for foetal distress and meconium in the waters. Had an appointment this morning with an obstetrician to discuss induction/section plan and timings if I go over significantly this time.

First step will be a Cook balloon that stays in for 24hs or until labour starts and it falls out due to cervical dilation. Hospital policy is that I have to stay in. I can discharge myself to wait at home, but it would be against medical advice. I have an independent midwife who has been taking care of me at home, and there would be no monitoring done during those 24hs in hospital until labour is underway.

Wwyd? Stay on the ward or rest at home (15min drive away)?

[Goostacean]

Forgot to say: obstetrician said that at her last hospital they let women go home with the balloon, but this one has a different policy.

[diddlediddle]

I'd wait at home under those circumstances

[Goostacean]

Thanks; DH is concerned I’ll annoy the staff on labour ward by going against the advice. I think I’d be doing everyone a favour by not taking up a room overnight!

[diddlediddle]

I think the staff have better things to worry about tbh. As long as you are sensible and go back in at the sign of anything and they know why your plans are then it sounds fine to me, it's the policy of most hospitals to send you home with it. They'll probably be glad of one less patient. Even if they were "annoyed", it's not like they will change your care. You live close to the hospital so I'm sure it's fine.

[Goostacean]

Thanks for your post- I agree... I’ll take the advice of the independent midwife, but I’d definitely prefer to rest at home if it comes to it. I imagine they’d be glad to have one less patient to check up on!

I’m desperate to avoid any unnecessary interventions and feel like being out of hospital would help me to relax and progress... but obviously not if DH is very stressed about it!