VBAC and heart problems.

[lisad123]

It was discovered early on that my heart rate is running too quickly all the time. I have seen cardio team, had tests blah blah but they are relucant to do too many more test while pregnant and my heart rate at resting is about 110-120 so not dangerously high. Had appointment yesterday and HR was racing away at 140bpm,and LO at 188 had ecg done and baby had ctg, all settled after a few hours.
Now they suggested if my HR didnt slow down they would have to consider delivery. Its all settled and im home but now thinking baout birthing (Im 37 weeks tomorrow). Have planned VBAC with my consultant, and been told will need ctg during whole labour, but given my HR has become unstable again, they are likely to want to monitor mine too. How do they do this? Is it possible (I know they do it during c sections). Im not due to see my consultant till next week, and would like to know so i can ask any questions.

Thanks

Lisa

oh blimey, its a lot to think about/have to deal with lsa... i know nothing of any use, but wanted to say i hope it all goes well for you.

AFAIK they will monitor your heartrate by putting a little clip on your finger which measures your pulse and the oxygen saturation of your blood. They can be a bit of a pain to keep on, so if it keeps falling off you could ask them to strap it on with a bit of micropore or similar.

'Fraid I don't know any more than this. Have they discussed whether they'd want to induce or do a repeat CS? Induction is more risky in VBACs, so make sure you ask lots of quesitons about this if they are offering you this option.

My consultant has refused to consider CS, and feels the risks are manageable with a VBAC. I would rather CS to be honest as Im also on blood thinners with limits my pain meds and options if they arent out of my system for 12 hours, so no epidural or spinal (if end in ECS will be under GA), I also have SPD

He is willing to discuss inducation next week, but is relucant because of the raised risks of rupsuring (SP?) my previous scar.

Its a hell of alot to think about, and my head is in such a mess, but when i have considered how to deal with one problem it pops in another one.
lisa

Hi there Lisa - saw your link to this thread...

Daisymoo is right that the way they are most likely to monitor your heartrate is with a clip type thing on the end of your finger. Its not uncomfortable or intrusive in any way but it will keep falling off unless you keep still (which given my limited experience of labour last time is probably not very realistic!!!). Another way would be to monitor your ECG with 3 stickers on your chest attached to a monitor. Again this won't be that intrusive or uncomfortable.

I'm afraid I don't know whether this raised HR makes it more or less safe for you to have either a VBAC or section. I would have thought that it is likely to go up still further in labour which as long as there is no underlying problem with your heart is unlikely to cause serious problems for you (but there will be better qualified people than me to tell you for certain). However it may have implications for your lo. I would have thought that as long as they keep a close eye on both of you and intervene if there are any concerns it is probably safe to proceed with a VBAC if that is what you want.

Having chatted to you off and on while you've been having problems I don't think this is what you want though. If I was you I would be seriously considering asking for a second opinion on whether you could have an elective cs as you have many sensible reasons for wanting one. this doesn't mean you would ahve to choose this option if you decided against it - just that you HAVE the option. I have the guidelines from NICE and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on this who both say women who have had one previous section should be offered elective section for a second baby if they wish - maybe waving these under your consultants nose would be one way to show him you knwo what you are on about!

Another more sneaky option is to turn up out of hours (evenings / weekend) when your consultant is not on call and get to see someone else!

CAT me or send me your email if you'd like the gudelines I mentioned hon....

oh dear... see what you mean about one issue running into the next...

why wont the consultant consider a repeat CS? not that i know anything much, but it would seem to be far the best and preferable option for you, no?

Alicet, if you could email me those guidelines that what be great, email addy is minx101 at hotmail.com

nappies, because he is an arse is the only real answer i can give. He is very much for natural birth and c sections as last reason. Might be because his the head of the department and likely to be charge of budgets too. I have had a real battle with him over this.
L

Have just mailed those to you lisa. If I can be anymore help just give me a shout anytime...

gawd. ironic really, when you think of all the people who just want to be left alone but are medically interfered with so the 'experts' can 'manage' the births,..

lisa, absolutely do not give in. if a CS is what you want, and fgs, i know its what i'd want given the circs, then you stand yur ground, or switch consultants or something (NO idea how easy/possible that is.) and let us know if there is owt we can do... at leats keep us posted. i'll go and beat him up if you like, that might work!

nappies, thanks. I think i would be very worried if i was eight and having this discussion hehe.
Im seeing my consultant on weds, and will show him the stuff from NICE that Alicet has sent me. I have come round to the idea of trying a VBAC but would rather be induced so i have a little more control over my blood thinners and know i will be calmer. Will be sure to update.

good luck whatever you choose -but do choose and dont let anyone bully you, ok?