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Childbirth

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

Original poster

Can i refuse - risk of cord prolapse

116 replies

hbbyno2 · 22/02/2023 12:50

Second baby, gestational hypertension being controlled with meds, also small baby. Was having a planned csec due to previous birth anyway but they have no space to book me in and baby is transverse so they are admitting me Sunday with a plan to fit me in in between emergencies in the consultants words @when they can fit me in some day next week whilst I am already in hospital

I have a child at home already I live 10 mins from hospital I dont want to just be admitted potentially for a whole week before my baby even comes. I also work for myself so wasn't going to go on many leave until baby is here and now losing a weeks pay before I even start when I am having very short mat leave already

Name change as very specific situation lol

OP posts:
Original poster
hbbyno2 · 22/02/2023 12:51

Oh reason they admitting me Sunday is because I am 37 weeks then and thats when the risk of cord prolapse increases

OP posts:
gogohmm · 22/02/2023 13:03

What would you suggest? Even if you have a scheduled c section it can be bumped off the list for emergencies. I know it's hard with childcare but ultimately you can't be scheduled if there are no slots. Perhaps you dp stays with your older child

Twizbe · 22/02/2023 13:12

You have rights and choices when it comes to childbirth.

Ask questions. Is there any other reason they want to admit you? Is it just so they can get you into theatre quickly?

Given you live close to the hospital could you agree to be on standby at home. As in don't go anywhere between certain hours so you can go in at a moments notice?

MrsBunnyEars · 22/02/2023 13:12

I was in a similar situation (transverse at 38 weeks, 10 mins from the hospital) and I was allowed home on the very strict understanding that I come back in the moment I felt anything at all. I know others who have been too.

As long as you really can be there in 10 mins (so no waiting for childcare to arrive etc), and you’re on top of the risks I don’t think it’s an unreasonable discussion to have.

Fancysauce · 22/02/2023 13:12

Would you rather have a cord prolapse then?

I had one and my baby nearly died. If i hadn't already been on the ward with a midwife and surgical team a few steps away, my baby would certainly have died. You get minutes to deal with a cord prolapse.

TeddyBeans · 22/02/2023 13:13

I wouldn't take any risks with a cord prolapse risk tbh

specialk9 · 22/02/2023 13:27

I also wouldn't take any risks with a cord prolapses.

My third was transverse so that was the plan for me. I actually went in to labour at 35w and I asked about trying to delay labour and consultant quote firmly told me that would take no such risk and whisked me straight for a CS. She was very adamant about it despite Midwives giving me morphine to try and slow the labour when I was first admitted.

So I would listen to the experts. As inconvenient it might be. You'd never forgive yourself if something happened.

HDready · 22/02/2023 13:31

Could you deliver at another hospital?

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 22/02/2023 13:59

You can refuse, no one can force you, only they can advise:
If you have a scheduled c section that can be bumped for an emergency as well.
You have a high risk of still birth, transverse baby, it's your second so it may come early, so if you waters break, cord prolapse happens and your at home, you only have a few minutes before baby dies.
Baby is already symptomatic of having gestational hypertension by measuring small.
It's up to you if you want to take the risks all they can is tell you them and what they advise

Redebs · 22/02/2023 14:03

I can't understand why you would risk it OP.
Your baby is already undersized and this is an extreme risk.
Medical staff aren't going to call you in unless it's an absolute necessity. They are busy enough already.
Just make your arrangements for childcare and get yourself admitted.
Nothing is more important at the moment.

Original poster
hbbyno2 · 22/02/2023 14:44

It's a tricky one, they say he is small on my growth chart but at 35 weeks his estimated weight was 5lb5oz so average for that gestation in the general population. They don't explain the risks or why they have made the decisions they have so I don't feel very informed

OP posts:
Original poster
hbbyno2 · 22/02/2023 14:45

I hadn't thought about the fact that even if planned I could get bumped. I just feel guilty leaving my first born with a mixture of almost strangers as we have no reliable childcare for him, especially not for days on end

OP posts:
SleepingStandingUp · 22/02/2023 14:49

What's the situation with the children's Dad(s)? And how old is baby?
I think at 37 weeks you need to think, what happens if I go into labour at home. Doesn't sound like you'll be able to get childcare quickly, so will it be call an ambulance, keep DS with you and pray it works out? Wait until someone can get you then go in? DS is WFH and neighbours never go out so chuck eldest next door and go immediately?

Unfortunately having more than 1 child means sometimes prioritising one over the other. I think, right now, you need to prioritise you and baby.

Original poster
hbbyno2 · 22/02/2023 14:53

I think you are all right just my first birth was so traumatic I really wanted this one to feel different and feel like I was in control and I just feel like I have zero control and Im going to end up in hospital even longer than with my first

OP posts:
Bippetyboppityboob · 22/02/2023 14:55

It's a tricky one isn't it OP, i do agree with others though that although of course it is ultimately your choice, I'd listen to the medical advice- don't want to messing around with this risk and also they don't tend to recommend unless they think its really needed.

Onynx · 22/02/2023 14:58

I was in a similar position and was told that if labour starts and if the cord is 'born' first they have approx 4 mins to get the baby out. They had wanted me to be admitted from 36 wks for that reason but luckily he turned from transverse to breech. Still a section but less stress.

CatherinedeBourgh · 22/02/2023 14:58

While I understand the risk is big and that you want to be safe, the idea that they are keeping you in hospital at their convenience is ridiculous. If they are worried they should just plan the c section right now.

I would be looking for another hospital if I could at all, even if it meant going further. One which will give you a c section now.

Original poster
hbbyno2 · 22/02/2023 14:59

Onynx · 22/02/2023 14:58

I was in a similar position and was told that if labour starts and if the cord is 'born' first they have approx 4 mins to get the baby out. They had wanted me to be admitted from 36 wks for that reason but luckily he turned from transverse to breech. Still a section but less stress.

Omg 4 mins they didn't tell me that just said the risk was small but significant

OP posts:
Original poster
hbbyno2 · 22/02/2023 15:00

CatherinedeBourgh · 22/02/2023 14:58

While I understand the risk is big and that you want to be safe, the idea that they are keeping you in hospital at their convenience is ridiculous. If they are worried they should just plan the c section right now.

I would be looking for another hospital if I could at all, even if it meant going further. One which will give you a c section now.

I have tried the other two within an hour of me and they have no capacity either!

OP posts:
BigglyBee · 22/02/2023 15:03

I am also self-employed, so I get it, but my third child died after a cord prolapse. If it had happened in a hospital with surgical facilities, then she would probably have lived.

I would do literally anything to avoid a cord prolapse, and in my next pregnancy (and the one after), I had long hospital stays and a controlled ARM (a totally charmless procedure, but necessary to avoid any chance of another prolapse).

EarringsandLipstick · 22/02/2023 15:03

Bluntly, I think you'd be mad to oppose this plan.
It's challenging I understand, both from a family & work perspective.

However you have several high-risk situations going on here & this the best scenario to keep you and your baby safe.

Best of luck 💐

EarringsandLipstick · 22/02/2023 15:03

BigglyBee · 22/02/2023 15:03

I am also self-employed, so I get it, but my third child died after a cord prolapse. If it had happened in a hospital with surgical facilities, then she would probably have lived.

I would do literally anything to avoid a cord prolapse, and in my next pregnancy (and the one after), I had long hospital stays and a controlled ARM (a totally charmless procedure, but necessary to avoid any chance of another prolapse).

I'm so sorry Biggly - that's horrific.

Toddlerteaplease · 22/02/2023 15:05

Could they admit you, then send you on home leave? And you come back when called. Hopefully they keep your bed.

purplepandas · 22/02/2023 15:07

I had a cord prolapse and my daughter did die, I seriously would not take the risk. I wish you well.

USaYwHatNow · 22/02/2023 15:26

@CatherinedeBourgh they won't section a small for gestational age baby who would then also be pre-37 weeks. Which is why they likely want to admit OP. If something happens they can section quickly, but in the meantime OP is in the safest place to wait out until 37 weeks.