VBAC and continuous monitoring.

[AngelofTheSilence]

I’m half way though my pregnancy with dc4 and after an emcs with dc3 I’ve been given the option of VBAC or an ELCS.
I’m pretty sure I’m going to try for a VBAC but I’m concerned about the monitoring, I understand it is required as it can show the first signs of my previous csection scar rupturing but I really don’t like the idea of having to be completely on my back the whole time.
With dc1&2 I laboured mostly standing up or bouncing on the birthing ball but still strapped to a monitor and only got on the bed when it was time to push. Does anyone know if this will be possible when trying for a VBAC or is the monitoring that important that I won’t be able to move of the bed incase I disturb it? Thanks in advance for any answers. I don’t see my MW for another 2 months and can’t seem to find an answer anywhere else.

Off* the bed. Sorry

I had a vbac and other than a 10 min period when I arrived at triage I wasn't on a monitor. That 10 mins confirmed I was contracting. The midwife used a doppler thing a few times but no other monitor

Oh that’s good to know. The VBAC midwife I saw at the hosipital said continued monitoring throughout labour so I just assumed that meant the actual monitor with the straps for the whole thing. Thank you.

You'll need to ask as different hospitals have different policies. Continuous monitoring does usually mean strapped to a CTG machine - though some hospitals have wireless ones which would mean you wouldn't necessarily be immobile. And then some monitor with a doppler so you wouldn't be strapped to anything at all.

Clarify with your midwife first and then you can ask about other options.

I had a VBAC. I was monitored from arrival, but I was 6cm when I got to the hospital. Even with the monitor, I could move about into different positions easily. Tbh, I didn't want to get off the bed anyway!

I was monitored with my first due to merconium present in my waters and although on the monitor I was still able to get up and sit on birthing ball etc.

I'm going for a vba2c this time for baby no. 3 and hoping, if all is well, I won't need too much monitoring

I'm going for a VBAC and was worried about this. I think as PP have said it might depend on the hospital, but my midwife told me that they have wireless monitoring which means I will be able to move around, sit on a ball and even use the birthing pool, if there's one available on the ward.

With my 2nd I had a VBAC and was continuously on the CTG. I was also on a drip the whole time as they had to augment the contractions as my waters had been leaking so they wanted a quick delivery.

I laboured the whole time standing up next to the bedand it was doable even with the machines. The contractions were painful lying down but standing up I managed with breathing exercises and no pain relief.

I wore maternity leggings most of the time which were great for keeping the CTG belts in place.

The midwife insisted I get in the bed to examine me only when I told her I was ready to push. I then delivered on the bed in about 3 pushes but on all fours. The thought of getting in my back was horrifying!

Hopefully you may have a hospital where they will have mobile monitoring or allow intermittent monitoring. Even if not you should be able to move around a decent amount.

Friend had a VBAC home birth last year (against hospital advice!) so you can refuse anything you don't want.

My labour wasn't a VBAC but needed to be continuously monitored for other reasons. But the MW was fab at making sure the belt/wires etc stopped in place while I was able to move around and be in different positions. I was able to stand, walk, bounce on the ball, all foors, lent over the bed etc. It sometimes lost the trace briefly when I moved from one position to another but they got it all back and working again. I never felt stuck to the bed flat on my back.

I had a VBAC in January (also a midwife) and had continuous monitoring (don’t know any hospitals who don’t recommend it although evidence isn’t clear cut). My unit use a scalp electrode for monitoring so only one strap and monitor on your abdomen for contractions. No reason you can’t mobilise unless struggling to get good contact for baby’s heart rate. Good luck

You need to get them to clarify. I changed hospital as the first one said continuous monitoring (due to the risk of uterine rupture, but I could have a drip to induce labour- which increases the risk of rupture - no risk mentioned).

Second hospital agreed to water birth and Doppler. They also were ok with me not progressing 1 cm an hour. I did plenty of research and understood the risks.

I’d have opted for a c section rather than constant monitoring and induction.

I was monitored all the way through having dc3 11 months ago and spent the vast majority of the labour stood up, on a birthing ball or bent over the bed. I'd made it very clear in birth plan that I would not be lying on my back the whole time and all consultants and midwives I saw were completely on board with that and agreed that was the best thing. As soon as they could they put a clip thing on baby's head which monitored their heart beat and I had one on me for contractions and one on my finger for my pulse. It was a bit annoying having so many wires and a right palaver when using the loo but I just stood near to the machine mostly so it was ok. I was able to move/sway/bounce without it being too cumbersome.

This was my second vbac by the way and second induction/constant monitoring birth. Both were fine as far as births go!