Consultant refused induction request

[Stoptheworldiwanttogeton]

Okay so bear with me whilst I explain but I really didn't think I'd be in this position!

I was induced first time and had a traumatic delivery. Afterwards, I haemorrhaged and lost a lot of blood. Whilst the induction was bloody brutal, I would feel safer being in hospital (planned) in the event of the same thing happening again (which I've been told is likely). In the last week I've also become anaemic again and have been put on iron tablets but I doubt that they'll do much as I'm 37+ so labour could happen at any given time. I live ages away from the hospital and I can't sleep at night thinking what if something goes wrong on the way to the hospital, what if I don't make it on time etc.

So I saw my midwife last week who said that if I really did want induced the consultant kind of has to agree as I'm supposed to have a say in how my delivery goes apparently. I saw the consultant yesterday and relayed my worries etc to him and he just wouldn't agree on an induction. He offered an ELCS but not to be induced. I was surprised as my midwife made it out like he'd agree because it's my birth and me that has to do it etc. Whilst this pregnancy has been smooth, so was my last one and whilst medically there's nothing wrong (apart from iron) it's the after part that concerns me and knowing I'd be in hospital would make it so much easier for me. Now I can't sleep, feel sick at the thought of labour and am just generally panicking. Can I request my midwife to ask on my behalf as he may listen to her more than he did to me? Any advice would be great as I'm so worried TIA

Book another consultant appointment and bring someone else with you preferably your partner. I know it is not supposed to happen but in my experience I feel listened to more when dh was with me. The fact there was someone else there they are more likely to explain why they have reached their decision. Write down questions that you want answered as it is easy to get distracted and forget the questions you wanted answers to.

DH was there with me and he even pushed it but we were still told no have I got time for another one as my mw said the consultant is only there once a month?

I think perhaps it's my fault for assuming it'd be quite easy to get an induction without needing one HOWEVER my mw assured me my reasons were legitimate and that I'd get one. Now I feel like I don't have a choice and I won't stop panicking

It is worth another try. Especially since it is causing you lot of anxiety. The consultant could at least address your fear or explain why he was against induction

Induction can often result in a lengthy hospital stay if it takes a long time to work. I'd imagine it's an exercise in keeping beds free and saving money. How long does it take you to get to hospital from your home?

@ReganSomerset I appreciate that, I was in 3 or 4 nights the first time which wasn't fun for me either but I'd rather do that than be this worried hospital is 1hr 20mins but there's a lot of traffic lights in between.

I had same as you, ended up in stirrups with episeotomy, ventouse and drip was so high my uterus didn't contact afterwards as was literally bleeding out.

For second they recommended NO induction as they linked it to blood loss. Sure enough spontaneous labours 2 and 3 were five with minimal bleeding. So, check whether the Consultant said no due to risk of bleeding from induction.

If you'll be at hospital anyway what benefit do you see from induction? I understand if you want a section but not induction?

@Chartreuser I'm not too sure what you mean when you say I'll be there anyway? My concern is that I wont be there or won't make it on time. Re the blood loss, I agree with you but they're going to inject me after to try and ensure my uterus contracts back down this time so if they can take that precaution anyway, I don't see why that'd be a medical reason not to.

Hospital wise what was you planning on doing before the midwife told you that you could request induction? Because that might have to remain your plan

It's worth trying again isn't it, and maybe ask for their rationale if they say no? That way you can put your point across if you don't agree

@Prequelle I think you just have to wait until you're in labour to go. Mw has to assess you so have to wait for that as well. I have anxiety so speaking up for myself is something I really struggle with.

What I was saying is you knew before that it would take a while to get to the hospital, so what plan did you have in place. Sorry if my post didn't make sense.

I hope you get the birth you wish for! Xx good luck

You have the right to ask and see another consultant for a second opinion. I had this issue with trying to get an ELCS for my second son and when I asked to see someone else it was magically agreed.

Stoptheworld how far away from the hospital so you live? Is there a particular reason you think you won't make it to hospital in time when you're in labour?

The jab does help prevent bleeding, but induction can increase the risk too

Sorry I've just seen your answer, is there a birth centre locally? And is that your nearest hospital you could give birth at or one you have chosen?

Even 1 HR 20 is manageable unless your are progressing super quickly in which case you can call an ambulance

An induction can increase your risk of a hammorhage so I can see why they didn't want to agree to it. It's not as simple as what the midwife said about it being your birth and down to you. If something happens and the medical professional has actively done something (an induction) which wasn't medically necessary and increases your risks then they leave themselves wide open for legal action.

It's unlikely you'll go from first contaction to baby in under one and a half hours. Just go as soon as you are getting regular contractions. You'll have to wait in the waiting room for a while, which will not be fun, but you'll be on site at least.

Can you push instead for them to agree to let you go to hospital as soon as labour starts?

If you were planning a hospital delivery before requesting induction then it shouldn’t really be an issue if they don’t do the induction. If you have agreement that you can go straight in then it’s pretty much the same situation but without the risks from the induction.

@MynameisJune

She can go straight in anyway. They can't force her to go home, though they don't have to admit her either. She'll be encouraged to go home but ultimately allowed to sit in the waiting room until her contractions are close enough together for her to be admitted.

The consultant has the right to decline induction if it would put you at increased risk,

@Stoptheworldiwanttogeton my sister had to have a blood transfusion with her first but was fine with the 3 after, when you think your labour is starting get yourself near the hospital? Is there a cheap hotel nearby? Maybe you could labour there to put your mind at rest!

I understand how you feel I had a PPH and it worry's me not getting to the hospital this time round, I had two doctors and 4 midwives trying to stop the bleeding it's terrifying xx

@regansomerset that wouldn’t happen at my hospital. If labour starts at night you cannot get into the MLU without them buzzing you in, there is also no access to any waiting rooms only those used for day clinics which are downstairs from the units. Also if she gets agreement to labour in hospital then she will at least have a bed rather than sitting in pain/pacing around a waiting room.

@MynameisJune She doesn't have to wait in the MLU. She could sit in the hospital somewhere else and call in when contractions were close enough together. I'm not saying it would be fun but at least she wouldn't need to fret about being so far away. I mean, she can always ask for a bed in early labour as you suggest but I doubt they could guarantee a bed would be given unecessarily early - I'd have thought it would depend on occupancy levels on the day.

Another option would be to get the numbers of local hotels in the hope one has a space on the day.

What's stopping you taking the ELCS?

It would take away lots of your anxiety, stop the possibility of blood loss and all the things you experienced last time. ELCS are really lovely experiences, I've had two, and it could be booked for you now. They usually section at 39 weeks. It's something to consider.

@HariboBrenshnio I have an intense fear of C-sections- that's the worst option for me

What was his reason for refusal?

I know you're scared but wouldn't the ELCS solve all your problems and be the safest option for you and baby?