Continuous fetal monitoring - how to have a natural birth anyway

[FrustratedMod]

I've been told I will have to have CFM in labour, I'm not minded to refuse this as I have complications that necessitate it and I want to be reassured in labour that my baby is ok. However I really don't want to end up with a 'cascade of intervention' - is there anything I can do to manage my pain and keep things moving if I'm stuck on the bed the whole time?

I'm considering whether I should just go for a c/s. I am particularly terrified at the prospect of forceps!

I had cfm (unexpectedly) and although it meant I couldn't have a water birth, it definitely didn't stop me having a natural birth.

The crucial thing was having a great midwife who was happy to hold the monitor against me for hours as I moved around. It's hard to guarantee what type of mw you'll get, though, so I would strongly advise getting a doula if you can afford it (student doulas are an option if cost is an issue). She will decide with you beforehand what part she'll play and will be able to help you keep active whilst being monitored.

If a doula's not an option then you need to be really clear in your birth plan that you want to be upright and active as much as possible. Keep your pain relief to the minimum you can bear (impossible to know before labour what you'll need but the less the better in terms of avoiding cs). Brief your birthing partner so they can advocate effectively on your behalf.

When are you due?

Why do you need to be on the bed to be monitored? Ask your unit if they have wireless telemetry or long leads so you can be upright and somewhat mobile. No reason why you cant sit on a birthing ball or stand up - sometimes midwives are so used to women being supine for monitoring that they don't think to see if it works in another position. You may need to hold the transducer onto your tummy in some positions if the belts aren't brilliant.

Forceps are only used where necessary and sometimes mean the difference between a vaginal birth and a c-section.

Thanks both for your useful responses. I will look into getting a doula gin, thanks. Cost is likely to be an issue but I'll see about student doulas.

Snow, I have to have CFM due to a previous placental abruption, which was very sudden and undetectable except for my baby's heartrate becoming very erratic - if I hadn't had a caesarean very swiftly baby would have died. Apparently, it could reoccur. Obviously I am very anxious this time which is a shame as I was never scared of labour before. CFM would probably allay my fears so to that extent at least fear wouldn't be slowing my labour. I did really want to use remote monitoring but have been told it's not an option - not available at my hospital.

I'd definitely choose ELCS over forceps, but don't want to if there's any way I can feel like I'd be able to wrest back some control over the situation. I was terribly ill after C/S before and can't deal with that again.

i had an emcs with ds1 and went for a vbac with ds2, had to have monitoring and i wanted an epidural as i was worried that id have to have a section again so wanted it in just in case! I ended up with forceps but they were only used a little and don't think they've had any negative effect on me or ds2(now 3). i specifically put in my birth plan that if needed i wanted forceps over vontuse as the thought of something sucking on to my baby's head terrified me! (obv irrational but hey ho)
So for me forceps were fine and i think my recovery was slightly quicker than with the cs but it might have been even quicker without an epidural( it takes me ages to be able to stand up straightafter1)

I had this. In retrospect, I would definitely have chosen a cs. ,

I had CFM. The monitor was strapped to me and I could move around fine. Didn't have any intervention either. Good luck!

I had to transfer from the birth centre to the delivery suite as they wanted to monitor the babies heartbeat. Like you, I was worried about the cascade of intervention but I had my natural birth without any interventions. Probably because the midwife was happy to hold the monitor against my stomach while I stood up. It really was unbearable being on my back. I ended up kneeling up backwards leaning on the back of the bed and she held it there practically the whole time!

The only thing is while you can stand up, you can't walk around the room, you're limited to staying beside the bed. I'm sure if you try different positions, you'll find something that suits you.

I had (wireless) CFM and spent most of the time on all fours on the bed anyway.