Routine internal foetal monitoring of twin1 from early onset of labour in normal presentation of non-identical twins

[curiositykilled]

I really don't want this and cannot find any literature about what risks monitoring twin1 from early labour might reduce. My obstetrician is unwilling to discuss the topic with me and will only say "well, twin pregnancies are at higher risk of complications so it is hospital policy but we can't make you do anything you don't want"

I think this is a very unhelpful attitude as I believe movement during labour and certain delivery positions will help twin2 to be in an optimum position for delivery and RFM makes both of these impossible. I was wanting to know what risk would be reduced by monitoring the first all the way through labour and no-one providing the care is willing to have this discussion with me - if there was a benefit I would not obect to it and I feel unconfident in pushing to not have it without the obstetrician's explanation of the risk. I cannot find any research on the subject - only on normal presenting singleton delivery which says only effect is increased section rate, and there are no NICE guidelines on the subject. Also, having expected a homebirth before I knew it was twins I am reluctant to have any over-medicalisation of the birth.

galaxy - 3 cheers for mumsnet too, I didn't know about doulas until I asked some Mumsnetters!

e3 - Yeah, I'd get the guidelines then think about whether there's anything in them that you feel strongly about and research the things you don't understand, if there are any. Then I'd see what the consultant suggests will happen with your care as the policies are based on the guidelines but often have extra things added in. Then think about those issues.

If you start to think about switching care to somewhere else be aware that the two hospitals I was choosing between said they wanted to know for sure by my 28 week appointment.

I'd seriously look into getting a doula. Mumsnetters suggested it to me in the beginning and I initially thought "Oh god, that'll be too expensive and can I justify it when it's really just a self-indulgent luxury?". How wrong I was! She's been absolutely essential as well as being a self-indulgent luxury! She'll free up my mum to look after our children when I'm in labour and I'll still have good support (and maybe a massage for me and DH).

I found my doula on www.doula.org.uk

Marslady is a doula in london her website is www.mammydoula.co.uk

It doesn't have to be expensive because there's a doula hardship fund (mainly for those on benefits but not exclusively) and most doulas will help for a reduced fee because they are passionate about supporting mums. My doula is not experienced in multiples either but she has been very good.

I would definitely recommend marslady doula she is a mum of twins too
galaxy