Contraction monitor concerns

[Lizb1990]

I was recently in the daycase unit due to concerns over early labour, when I was 'strapped up' to the monitors I had 2 very strong BH and the contraction monitor didnt pick them up! felt like the midwives thought I was being dramatic. I am a 'larger' woman but not morbidly obese, but I do have a bit of tummy fat which I'm wondering could be stopping the monitors from picking up the BH. Im nearly full term and am concerned they will not believe I'm in labour if this monitor isnt picking up contractions or that something could go wrong as a result of not picking up any contractions. Any larger ladies had a similar experience?

Bmi 27. However last time I went for a CTG I had a few big BH and they didn't register at all. Smaller ones had however but in a different hospital - whether the machine was calibrated prior to going on it I don't know. Point it out to the midwife if that's what you feel

The machine didn't pick up my contractions either. I was 7cm dilated when examined and the midwife had been planning to send me home!

I think the machine doesn't pick up contractions in some people. It didn't with me as I have a scar across my tummy from previous surgery and it made the monitoring useless! It was a blessing in disguise as it meant I could continue to have an active, mobile labour which I think contributed to an easy birth; lying on your back having continuous monitoring is one of the least conducive positions for childbirth!

If you feel that your midwife doesn't believe you, please request another one. It isn't your duty to convince your midwife that you're in labour; you have the right to a midwife who trusts your authority and knowledge of your own body and who treats you with respect and dignity.

Contractions aren't usually monitored. You would probably only be put on the CTG to monitor baby's heart rate if it was felt necessary.