36+2 and feeling 'odd' - homebirth?

[SuseB]

Hi there,

As above, am 36+2 and feeling distinctly odd today - feeling like the baby is wedged down in my pelvis and very 'twingy'. This is DC3 (other two both arrived early, at 38 and 39 weeks respectively).

I am booked for a homebirth, but officially this is from 37-42 weeks.

What I am wondering is what will happen if I go into labour today - I will want to try and insist on staying at home but what are the chances of them allowing this?

Previous two labours were 6 hours, then 3 hours - have been told to expect even quicker this time, so very reluctant to go to hospital if things kick off.

Any advice/thoughts welcome!

My guess is that if you refuse to get in an amulance they can't make you get in. You might be able to use some of what they say in this article [[http://www.homebirth.org.uk/homebirthuk.htm]Homebirth] to make them come to you.

Make sure you have a good read up on things and are happy with your decsion.
Good luck

I'm pro homebirth but at 36+2 if this really is it I'd go in. There's a reason they have a cut off of 37 weeks. Babies lungs do so much developing still in those last few weeks.

Also This article might help you make a decsion about where to deliver the baby. Homebirth before 38 weeks

I had my baby at 36+1. Normally, MW units won't even take you before 37 weeks - you go straight to the consultants. No, I didn't get the birth I planned, but the medics were there and I was glad of it because there were times when it was apparent my baby really wasn't strong enough for a long labour. Luckily, it was over shortly after her heart rate dropped (and she was born with meconium in the waters, which would usually result in a hospital transfer), and we were home within 36 hours of her arrival. But not before they'd been extra careful about her body temperature and blood sugar levels. She was in an incubator for 17 hours.

But, yes, they can't force you into an ambulance. so you do have a choice. Just make sure you are informed.

No further posts. I wonder of the OP now has her baby.

Hello,

No, no baby yet! Thanks for all your thoughts and those links - interesting reading. My gut feeling, given my history of rapid straightforward births is that if labour comes on I'll ask to stay at home and have midwives come out (sounds like the chances for a 36-weeker are better if they are kept warm and snuggly, rather than being born in the car...) and be willing to transfer if there's any sign that all is not well.

Still feeling odd but no sign of any proper contractions - am guessing I will probably be in on-and-off prelabour for the next three weeks now - grrr.