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Childbirth

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Original poster

If you had a c-section did you sign a consent form?

81 replies

snickersnack · 05/10/2008 21:10

And did a copy make it into your notes (if you've seen them)?

It occurred to me the other day that I have absolutely no recollection of signing a consent form when dd was born, and dh doesn't remember either- and there's no record of it in my notes. I remember giving verbal consent, and I wasn't particularly out of it, though I was pretty tired. I'm not concerned - it was definitely informed consent and I wasn't pressured - but just curious as to whether or not I've forgotten or it didn't happen.

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ghosty · 05/10/2008 22:15

I don't remember signing one for the first but I was completely on Planet Zogg by then . I remember signing one the second time though (not an emergency but not elective either)

mytetherisending · 05/10/2008 22:21

I was a scrub nurse before having dd1, you definately would have signed a consent or if you were incapable DH would have done. Usually right after they tell you the risks with surgery.

I did with both dds

Original poster
snickersnack · 05/10/2008 22:23

Don't remember anyone telling me the risks, don't remember signing the form. Definitely not in my notes - have a copy of those. How strange. Can't believe neither of us remember but equally can't believe they didn't ask me to sign one...

OP posts:
PumpkinPatty · 05/10/2008 22:24

I don't remember. But DH says I did.

Flum · 05/10/2008 22:27

Yeah I signed. ALL OVER THE PAGE. They said 'Do you want us to accept that or have another go'. I had another go, it was better!

ScottishMummy · 05/10/2008 22:42

i signed it cryng,tears running down my face.watching my baby fetal heart rate in distress.being told to prepare for the worst

onceinalifetime · 05/10/2008 22:48

Yes, remember signing the first - emergency cs - big yellow 6 page form, tiny writing, didn't read a work and like SM, heart rate slowing so did think 'signing life away' but limited options. Strangely at elective cs two years later can't remember signing anything but probably did.

mytetherisending · 05/10/2008 22:54

snickersnack you wouldn't have your hospital notes because you have to apply for them. You would only have your midwifery notes and consent forms are not kept in there.

loucee · 05/10/2008 22:55

same as Scottishmummy

Martha200 · 06/10/2008 00:14

Yes both times, though it was more scary signing for the planned one than emergency, emergency I was so dog tired I did not care a hoot what happened to me!

orangehead · 06/10/2008 00:17

I dont think I did, but not 100% sure. It was emergency and all very rushed

sandcastles · 06/10/2008 05:56

When I was rushed in for a c-section under GA I signed a consent form.

Dh offered to do so they could concentrate on preping me, but he was told that he cannot give consent to the op on my behalf.

Jas · 06/10/2008 07:31

I also remember signing in the theatre as I was being prepped for crash cs.

eidsvold · 06/10/2008 07:33

yes for all three. no2 and 3 were elective.

No1 was an emergency and I remember signing as they were prepping me for theatre.

LadyMuck · 06/10/2008 07:42

I signed for both, though no idea whether it is in my notes or not.

mamadiva · 06/10/2008 07:46

When I had my DS 2 years ago I didn't have to sign anything but it was an emergency section does that mean anything?

I checked with my mum and DP who were both there and neither remember me signing or them signing anything.

Have never seen my notes so don't know what's in there.

chapeloffearstickchick · 06/10/2008 08:13

Yes I did 3 times over ....on my first I was so drugged up when I signed, I signed one of my many names from childhood(every time my mum got a new 'uncle' for us I got a new name)-anyhow they still took it and off I went to theatre.

stealthsquiggle · 06/10/2008 09:47

I signed a form - I remember (inspite of drugs and extreme tiredness) because they insisted on going through the entire flipping thing and I was thinking (and saying, I think) "FGS can we just get on with it"

Lib76 · 06/10/2008 10:04

yeh i remember signing a form when i was in the middle of a contraction!! the Dr was explaining to me the risks etc as i was sucking on the gas and air!! i kept saying "I know, I know im a nurse!" i was so desperated to get to theatre cause baby was distressed and i wanted him safe!!

biglips · 06/10/2008 10:05

yes for an emergency.

MoccaMint · 06/10/2008 11:01

Consent does not have to be written in order to legal. As long as it is informed it's OK. Having said that considering that anything birth related is the most litigious area in the NHS I guess it is considered best practice to ask you to sign.

No one else can sign your consent form for you - not even DH - unless you are not competent. Being high on gas and air per se doesn't mean you are not competent. You need to be incapable of understanding the procedure, why it is needed, any possible side effects/risk factors and so on.

Not sure but I think if it is a life/death situation for your baby your decision can be overiden (sp) by a judge.

Why don't you request your hospital notes? They might charge a small admin fee but at least then you would know...

HTH

imoscarsmum · 06/10/2008 12:29

I had an emergency c-section just under 3 weeks ago. i definately did not sign anything. I had one cos my daughter's heartrate was erratic when they turned the drip up to speed up contractions. I did make sure everyone in the room knew just exactly how pissed off I was at this unexpected interruption to proceedings!!

Lotster · 06/10/2008 13:24

Yes, it appeared over my head whilst flat on my back in theatre, in between the ventouse and the forceps! I just about remember it but very hazy. Didn't have the C/s in the end though. Althouth the C-section team were scrubbed and waiting just in case and providied an audience for the forceps delivery instead...nice.

BlueBumedFly · 06/10/2008 13:38

They let me just sign a cross as I was so out of it, not the best procedure in retrospect!

Trollyed · 06/10/2008 16:18

I signed one while being rushed off for crash section. I was in such a state I did wonder whether it was 'valid' and surely they would have to do the op even if i didn't sign.
Although I probably would've signed anything at that point.
My mum was with me and told me afterwards she'd been really cross about them shoving the form in my face when i was in such a state anyway.