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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

39 weeks and blood flow to the cord is apparently not as good as it should be?

43 replies

Lafoosa · 08/04/2022 20:34

So I'm 39 weeks today, I had a growth scan because at 36 weeks baby measured small on a very very rushed scan. My consultant kept saying baby was FGR and I needed induction immediately, I opted not to because I felt like they were wrong. Well at today's growth scan they were wrong, baby is nowhere near that small and is actually a good healthy size, not FGR and growing perfectly.
For the last 3 weeks they've been badgering me almost daily with phone calls to try and pressure me to induce, for no reason as it turns out.
Now they've realised at this scan nothing is wrong with growth they've magically found other "problems" that weren't there when I went for a scan a few days ago.
They've been against my plans for home birth my entire pregnancy despite being low risk, they've just been dead set against it because they don't want to do it. They've not even looked at my birth plan, listened to anything I have to say and now apparently blood flow from the cord isn't quite how they want it. But the sonographer told me everything was good when I had the scan today, then the midwife told me it's not and to go to the hospital to be induced. Who do I believe? I'm so fed up of every time they realise they're wrong they come up with something new to send me to hospital for. I've been having contractions all day so far, but they refused to tell me if blood flow can slow during labour or not and they just said to ask when I get to the labour ward.
I'm so stressed out right now, I just feel like they'd do anything to stop me giving birth at home even lie to my face. I know as soon as I walk into that hospital they won't let me leave, and they won't let my OH be with me which they've already said too. So I'd have to be alone and try and stand up for myself while having several people pressuring me to do what they want. They told me 3 weeks ago my baby would die if I didn't get induced right then because she was way too small, they lied and said my placenta wasn't working but when I got a second opinion turns out everything was working absolutely perfectly and baby has been happy and growing well since then without an induction.

Why can't they just be truthful instead of trying to scare me into doing what they want? I just want an honest person to tell me what is actually going on.

Does anyone here know what PI means on maternity notes? Apparently mine is 0.62 which I don't know what means or if it's normal.

Thanks for reading.

OP posts:

BertieBotts · 08/04/2022 20:40

I would have the induction. Poor blood flow to the cord is not good. I don't think doctors make things up to scare people into an induction. Please let them get your baby out. Maybe all of these things being borderline is why you've had different opinions, but considering you've had three separate reasons to induce I'd really be quite concerned something is wrong.

I understand planning for and wanting a natural birth, I did with all of mine, but interventions exist for a reason too. All your preparation won't go to waste as you'll still be able to use the relaxation tips that you've learned. If the induction is straightforward and the drip is not needed you can still have a water birth or use the pool for pain relief if you want to and your hospital has one.

Go back in, explain you're feeling confused and fobbed off. Ask for information. They can't force you to stay there if you really want to go home, but if induction is advised I would take it (personally). If you need a moment to phone your husband, do that. It's a perfectly reasonable request.

Good luck.

LifeIsBusy · 08/04/2022 20:53

Why would OH not be allowed in? 🤨

The NHS is not against you, they just have the criteria set out to trigger specific processes when they see specific results based on cases where they have increased risks in specific areas.

I'd personally take a step back, listen to them and go get ready to meet my baby. It doesn't matter in the end as long as you are both healthy.

GreenOrangePear · 08/04/2022 21:06

I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time. If you are having contractions that's a good sign as it probably means you don't need to be induced?

Why is your OH not allowed in? I thought covid restrictions were loosened in most places.
Can you get him (or someone) to phone the hospital on your behalf? I don't think they would make the blood cord thing up - but it sounds like they need to explain it to you properly.

Solasum · 08/04/2022 21:10

@Lafoosa they have clearly given conflicting messages BUT for your baby’s sake I would do exactly what they say now. It is not worth the risk

BertieBotts · 08/04/2022 21:17

Possibly covid rules Lifeisbusy? It's just the initial checks OP is worried about being on her own for.

GentlyGentlyOhDear · 08/04/2022 21:19

I would also go for induction now. It isn't worth the risk of something terrible happening for the sake of a few days.

fudgecat · 08/04/2022 21:26

Please follow the doctors advice, you wouldn't forgive yourself if something went wrong

HarrietM87 · 08/04/2022 21:30

At 39 weeks your baby will be ready to be born and every chance an induction would work really well. It sounds like you’re already in labour anyway?

It may not be what you planned, but I think you need to think about the worst case for each scenario (you don’t get the birth you want vs you don’t get to leave with a baby) and the choice becomes quite easy.

BertieBotts · 08/04/2022 21:31

Or if you're booked for a home birth could you get a community midwife out to talk to you?

One of the reasons home birth is so safe is that they will transfer you in the moment they have any doubts, this is disappointing but it is for a good reason.

Definitely whatever happens just let them know you want to be informed and understand what is happening.

Ilostit · 08/04/2022 21:32

Go for in induction now- I would listen to them at this stage. In fact personally after the nightmare I had I’d just request a c-section and get it over with! Baby is safer out than in at this stage!

Original poster

Lafoosa · 08/04/2022 21:33

The other things haven't been true though, it's not like there's been multiple instances of something being wrong and it's actually something wrong.

They thought baby was too small, turns out they were wrong.
They straight up lied about placenta health, there was absolutely nothing on the scan report to indicate anything wrong and with a second opinion elsewhere turns out nothing was wrong at all.

I've just spoken to another sonographer about my results today and apparently everything was actually in the normal range and they don't even know why the midwife has said it's not.

If things had genuinely been wrong at all this pregnancy of course I'd get an induction, but my midwife is straight up lying to me at every appointment because she's made it clear she doesn't want me to have a home birth.

So fed up at this point, really wish it wasn't too late to get a new midwife.

OP posts:

Notwithittoday · 08/04/2022 21:35

I would just have a c section. There sounds like there are issues. My baby had borderline growth issues and I had lots of monitoring. I opted for an induction. Not a great experience but I got to take home a living baby which I am very grateful for. She had two knots in her cord as it turned out. I would NOT be even considering a home birth in your shoes.

Unsureaboutit9 · 08/04/2022 21:35

But your baby isn’t fine, the blood flow is reduced. The sonographer isn’t a doctor or a midwife, you listen to the people telling you your baby could die. Is your baby’s life worth the risk for the sake of a home birth? Why do you think they are trying to trick you into entering the hospital?

Ultimately what matters is that your baby is born safely, which I’m sure is all you really want. So if doctors and midwife’s are saying you need to be induced, I’d do it. At 39 weeks baby is full term and safe to come out. Good luck with everything OP.

Unsureaboutit9 · 08/04/2022 21:37

Reading your update, have you seen a consultant? What do they say? If you don’t trust your midwife’s judgement I’d phone the community midwives and ask for a different one.

Twizbe · 08/04/2022 21:39

Why do you think they don't want you to have a home birth?

I get that it's confusing having one person say one thing and the reports saying another.

Are there any other risk factors relevant here? Would you agree to going in to be monitored for a while before making a final decision.

Looseleaf · 08/04/2022 21:45

Where there’s even a slight chance of risk to baby I would place that as much more important than any birth plan. They may get things wrong but I would still rather have baby early to follow medical advice if that’s recommended- I’m hesitant too about an induction and whether it’s really needed but I’m not ready to argue it if it’s there to minimise risk (a different risk in my case due to gestational diabetes)

I hope it goes well for you . If you’re really not sure about the truth of the blood flow issue can you ask for a second opinion?

Fundays12 · 08/04/2022 21:46

Please get induced. My middle child wouldnt be alive if I hadn’t got induced when the doctors had concerns about his well-being in utero. He was born with breathing problems and spent the first week of his life in SCBU. A scan can only show you so much and right now your baby is full term going overdue adds risks in itself.

BertieBotts · 08/04/2022 22:02

It is never too late to get a different midwife. You can always ask to see somebody else if you don't get on with yours. When is your next appointment?

If there really is nothing wrong then going into hospital for monitoring won't mean you will be stuck there. They don't want you there taking up a bed if you're not in labour and you don't have any risk factors.

DSGR · 08/04/2022 22:07

Sorry but this is ridiculous - get induced rather than risk a stillbirth!
Why are your so set on a home birth? Is this your first baby? You know your chance of being transferred in an emergency to hospital is high right?
Why anyone wound risk the health of their baby is beyond me.
I’m pretty sure they are not lying.. and I’m pretty sure you don’t know better than them

CurlyPurpleHair · 08/04/2022 22:29

Why take the risk though? There is a possibility of your child being in danger. I lost my baby girl two years ago now but I would have done ANYTHING to save her. Take the advice of the people who have the knowledge and the experience.

HerculesMulligan · 08/04/2022 22:36

I had a really tricky second pregnancy and if I’m honest, OP, yours sounds worrying enough that in your shoes I’d be pushing for the soonest possible delivery. Home births are lovely, friends who have had them thought they were great, but a home birth is not sufficiently good to outweigh the risk of something awful happening to your lovely baby at this late stage.

TracyMosby · 08/04/2022 22:43

It makes no sense that a midwife would lie to you just to avoid doing a home birth. There must be other issues at play.

drpet49 · 08/04/2022 22:45

* But your baby isn’t fine, the blood flow is reduced. The sonographer isn’t a doctor or a midwife, you listen to the people telling you your baby could die. Is your baby’s life worth the risk for the sake of a home birth? Why do you think they are trying to trick you into entering the hospital?*

^This. I can’t believe you are willing to risk the life of your baby. What is wrong with you?

RainbowMum11 · 08/04/2022 22:49

As someone who's baby would have lived if they had done this scan & blood/oxygen flow monitor post 34 weeks, I think you're insane to not go with the medical advice.

HerculesMulligan · 08/04/2022 22:49

@CurlyPurpleHair I’m so sorry for your loss.

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