To question the "partners only in active labour" current NHS policy?

[RainMinusBow]

Define "active labour." How can this be determined?

Active labour is classed as being at least 4cm

I believe the medical definition is dilated more than 4cm

So as a pregnant woman who does not wish to have VE's (vaginal examinations) because I believe they are entirely unecessary plus for other personal reasons, I would have to have at least one (possibly more) to allow my husband/partner to stay?

Surely there has to be some examination to determine how far gone you are?

My friend is in labour right now. We’ve been here since 4am. Her husband wasn’t allowed because he has a cough, hence why I’m here. I was allowed in for the initial examination at which point she was 8cms so obviously stayed. She’s had to go to theatre though and I’m not allowed with her. Such a scary scary time to give birth.
You are entitled to your opinions on VE but I disagree that they are unnecessary - I’d imagine though that timings of contractions etc can indicate active labour too

@RedHelenB VE's tell you how far along you are. Not sure why I need to know that? Is it so hospital can figure out (very roughly) how long labour might take?

There are a whole load of threads on this already, it’s worth doing an AS. Not all trusts have these rules so best to check with yours directly.

For mine, I can have a partner with me throughout the whole pre natal time and he can still stay overnight with me on the ward as well.

@ShirleyPhallus Ah that's good news for you 😊

My Trust stating "active labour only." Issue is it is my right to refuse VE.

Midwives can often tell by behaviour as well as examining. My midwife wasn't bothered about examining me on arrival although I wanted her to. Turns out I was fully dilated and she knew that already.

Unfortunately there’s a chance that hospitals may ban birthing partners in the future. They are already reducing as many visitors as they can.

My relative has already been told no partners at all

Aren't VE useful to have sometimes. For example, if you wanted an epidural, they would have to know how far along you were?

Surely there has to be some examination to determine how far gone you are?

No, it's unnecessary really. And can cause its own problems because it can cause midwives to think there's no urgency because you're not very dilated, but different women dilate at different rates. Women who dilate faster than average have found themselves giving birth in lifts etc because of it. Also, a vaginal exam can slow labour down if it causes stress to the woman.

yes, YABU.
Stop being so bloody awkward and try putting the needs of the midwives to stay safe ahead of your ridiculous demands FFS

@browzingss We're almost certain we're going to be booking an IM now. She's meeting us next week. These are further reasons that support my home birth decision.
If I had a hospital birth and I wanted my partner to stay I would have no option to decline VE's. I feel a bit like that's blackmail in a way?
Also, as @browzingss has mentioned, it may be that partner would not be allowed to attend the birth of his first or last baby or support his very vulnerable partner.
No wonder so many women are feeling like they have no option but to freebirth. I am in the very fortunate position that we can find funds for an IM if necessary. What about those ladies that can't? So many rights are being taken away here.

Do whatever you want, your body and your choice.

Do not expect people to be pandering and making exceptions though. Our staff and the welfare and safety of ALL the women and babies takes priority right now.

So why dont you want VE, do you think the midwives are psychic?

@RainMinusBow have you called the trust to discuss? Are you still planning to birth at home with an independent midwife?

I was glad for VE both times as I presented at hospital 8cm, and the midwife could respond appropriately. 1st time mums are often dismissed as being in early labour and not coping, so a VE can be invaluable

Cross posted, apologies

It wasnt long ago that partners were not in attendance for births, safety has to come first

@BrooHaHa interesting insight, thank you, I didn’t know.

I agree the restrictions are really challenging and a big worry. Where is Dad/BP supposed to go to wait to make sure they can get there? I’m not sure if can make a huge amount of difference virus spreading wise if they’re there for the hours before active labour or not, if they are there for that

VE is not necessary to ascertain active labour

'Rights' do not trump safety.

Luckily, the majority of women and families are understanding.

@Irial what about the safety for women to have an advocate for them during birth, the benefits of which are well documented