No beds on the labour ward

[Carenatmat]

I was informed by my community midwife that I would be induced 1 week after my due date due to the increased risk of still birth in the North West, and the reduction of still births if induction takes place earlier.

I came to triage Thursday 19th morning, a propess was inserted, this fell out later in the day and I returned to triage. I was informed that I should go home as I was now 2-3 cm and that the labour ward would ring me overnight to go in, but if they didn’t to go the Antenatal ward the following morning and to take my things as I would be leaving with a baby. No call received from the labour ward.

I was admitted on Friday 20th when I attended Antenatal as advised, and was due to have my waters popped, this couldn’t happen till I was moved to the labour ward.

At this point I asked where I was on the list, as I had been informed at triage the day before to wait for a call off the labour ward, I was told I hadn’t been added to the list.

Staff honestly and professionally spoke about the shortages on the labour ward and how so many ladies were waiting to go. I was informed that beds was not an issues they did not have the necessary amount of staff to provide 1-1 care. Several ladies on the ward was told ‘if you go in to labour they will find someone’. However my body is not going to go in to labour without rupture of my membranes.

I asked about transferring hospitals due to the risk to me and my baby of being over due, I was informed that this is not possible at present but something they are trying for everyone.

I spoke to the doctor today and was informed that there wasn’t currently any options for me and my baby apart from to wait. I explained my concerns with being 9 days overdue (now 10) and was informed that I am not a priority at the moment but if it was an emergency they would deal with it. I don’t expect the safety of myself and my baby to be compromised and turn in to an emergency due to lack of staffing for us to be dealt with.

Those staff who are here have tried their best to support individuals, and the majority have been brilliant but it’s clear to see the frustrations and worries that the staff also have.

This evening there was concerns for my babies heart rate, several midwife’s attended and I asked for a doctor to review the heartbeat. I was initially informed that the doctor was in theatre, the doctor did attend a couple of minutes.

After 2 hours 30mins they was no longer concerned, however, as discussed before being induced I was made aware that there are associated risks with being over due and at the moment there is nothing I can do to help myself and my baby without hitting a brick wall. I am trying my very best to advocate for my baby but just being told that I am not a priority.

I am currently sat here, unable sleep due to my concerns. I have emailed pals, and also found a list of the hospital directors emails for this hospital and also emailed them. Any advice on what else I can do? My baby was measuring 9lbs 2 days ago.

My middle boy was born at 42 +1.
If the hospital was worried about something they would find a bed.

This is a good article about balancing the risks of induction. https://midwifethinking.com/2016/07/13/induction-of-labour-balancing-risks/

I'm sorry that you appear to be being given conflicting information re the risk to your baby. First they tell you that you must be induced due to a higher risk of stillbirth, then say you're not a priority. It must be worrying for you.

This stood out to me:"However my body is not going to go in to labour without rupture of my membranes." Why do you think that? Many women go into spontaneous labour and don't need their waters broken artificially.

If I understand correctly @Carenatmat, the suggestion of induction was not due to a specific issue relating to you but a local trend? Though I appreciate that’s still worrying, I think in these circumstances there is little the hospital can do by the sounds of it. IME the whole of the maternity process was a shambles but if things do turn emergency, they will as you’ve been told
deal with it. I’m sorry though as appreciate It’s a worry, especially if this is your first birth. Good luck !

I think you should contact your MP and the local press.

I’d be requesting a c section tbh at this stage

I don't no why they are saying you can't transfer to another hospital. You can present to give birth at any NHS hospital in the UK and you will not be turned away. Keep pushing op, you know whats right for you and your child. Wishing you all the best

If there are a number of women ahead of OP in the induction line with the same (apparently generic but OP please correct me if I have misunderstood your post) risk profile, what is the trust meant to do? It’s shit completely but they will proceed on the basis of clinical ordering.

You could always go home and wait for labour to start, or go home and then take yourself off to another hospital (but they probably wouldn’t do much if you’re not in labour). I understand you’re worried but the hospital seem to have no concerns about your specific situation. I do think it’s ridiculous they start the induction process if they can’t see it through but I also get that they are super short staffed and have to prioritise and I can see why you’re not currently a priority. Your body can still absolutely go into labour naturally so try to relax (as much as you can in hospital), stay active, watch anything to get that oxytocin flowing and know that your baby will be here soon enough.

Unless you have some other risk factor I can see why you're not an emergency.

They not really worry until you go over 42wks if everything else is good. They start talking about induction earlier as there always seems to be a lot of waiting your turn for it.

Also confused why you think labour won't start naturally for you? My waters didn't go until I was 10cm and pushing with both of mine. I'd go home and get crab walking up and down the stairs, eat some chilli etc.

You are also free to turn up at another hospital and give birth there, you don't need a formal transfer. Just get a cab.

Unfortunately the case on most maternity units. I'm sorry you are in this position. If reassuring at all, unless other concerns, the risk for being overdue only increases (minimally) after 42w. But I do understand is unfair you get told you need to be induced and then left in limbo. That is why we need more hospitals, more beds, more staff, more midwives. Not just maternity but everywhere. I am sure however they are prioritising based on everyone's specific risks and sometimes that means a lot of other women with more concerning risks being taken to labour ward before someone who has been waiting longer. I hope you get there very soon.

If you want to get things moving- orgasms- I’ve had three babies and all three pregnancies started and ended with orgasms! 🤣