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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Why would a consultant write a note that was not true?

18 replies

Justfeckingdoit · 23/05/2011 10:28

I am 38w and at St Georges, Tooting. Baby is small but within normal range and is growing fine, with all Dopplers etc. fine too.

Had a meeting with a consultant last week where she told me that they would prefer to induce at 40w. When I asked why she said it's because the baby is small. I asked how induction rates compared at St Georges vs other hospitals and she said they were a bit "induction happy" as they are a teaching hospital and are careful about their stats (?)

I said that I would prefer not to be induced. My DP was there and confirms that I made my feelings clear.

My notes say, "discussed induction at 40w, jestfeckingdoit happy with this."

This is not true! Why would they record something different? I have a meeting with the same cconsultant on Weds so will ask, but has anyone else experienced this?

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VivaLeBeaver · 23/05/2011 10:31

Probably the consultant think they convinced you that induction was best. You probably need to sit there and say "no, I don't want to be, I don't consent to it, its not going to happen" in order for them to realise that you're not happy.

In their eyes if you've agreed to it then you're happy with it.

Zipitydoda · 23/05/2011 10:39

I'd be tempted to write on the notes to say you are not actually happy for induction and date and sign.

EdithWeston · 23/05/2011 10:50

Yes, I would also annotate to make it clear that your preference is no induction. Use red pen!

gallicgirl · 23/05/2011 11:06

It's because they don't listen properly.

I saw consultant a couple of times due to family history of DVT - my gran.

Got a letter back informing me my 88 year old gran had in fact died of a DVT at age 80. Bit of a shock to me seeing as I'd spoken to her on the phone the week before.

Get your MW on the case if necessary but just writing your preferences on your notes isn't a bad idea.

Surely if the baby is small, it's better to wait so it has chance to grow?

mrsravelstein · 23/05/2011 11:08

definitely cross it out and sign. i ended up writing all over my notes in last 2 pregnancies as for some reason they kept writing 'no allergies' everywhere despite the fact that i kept telling them i am highly allergic to several of the post section drugs i'd got when ds1 was born.

owlbooty · 23/05/2011 11:10

If you're seeing the same consultant on Wednesday I'd get them to change and sign what they've written in the hope that they actually take note of what you are saying this time.

saoirse86 · 23/05/2011 11:17

I know it's a bit different put in my post natal notes it said I'd BF baby after birth. So after 16 hours when I aske someone to help me feed her for the first time, they told me I clearly knew how to do it because I'd done it in the delivery suite. I was really confused and sure I hadn't. When DP arrived I asked him and he said no I definitely hadn't fed her and they hadn't even asked how I wanted to feed her.

I think that was a MW who wrote it, but it does seem like they just write what they want to be the case.

inbetweener · 23/05/2011 11:21

Yep I am at St georges too and I can confirm they dont bloody listen ! ( Psst I also work there too !)

I would do as a PP has suggested and cross it through and discuss it at your next appointment. You need to tell them that actually no you do not wish to be induced. Interesting comment about St georges being induction happy too, i will have to go into the clinical log and have sneak a look at the stats.

I had similar. At my 28 week appointment I was told I could be seen for my 34 week appointment at St georges as I was staff and had this written all over my notes in red pen. When trying to make the appointment I was told it wasnt needed and that actually the MW shouldnt have said that and even if I turned up I would be turned away as St georges is so over subscribed ! I was told to go and see my GP if I was concerned. So basically my last appointment was at 28 weeks, I am now 31 +5 and wont be seen till i am 36 weeks !

jenga079 · 23/05/2011 11:22

Saoirse They left you 16 hours before you fed your baby?! That's awful.

saoirse86 · 23/05/2011 11:31

inbetweener I can't believe you'll be left that long. And surely a GP woukdn't necessarily be able to help much as they don't really deal with heavily pg women.

jenga I'd hate to think how long it would've been if I hadn't said anything! And it was about 24 hours when a MW first suggested formula. I was on that post natal ward for 6 days and there was only one other woman who even tried to BF. As it happens I know her now and she also failed after feeling she lacked suport. I think Birmingham Womens are a bit formula happy!!

Icelollycraving · 23/05/2011 12:33

I have been told I'd have a cs by 1 consultant v early on,my mw said they would let me try naturally first. When I questioned senior consultant about it,he said I don't believe a dr told you that! Er,yes she did,I replied I'm not interested if you believe me as i was the one at the appointment,which person is correct? He didn't like being challenged at all!
Make it v clear on Wednesday & request amendment to your notes.

pinkypanther · 23/05/2011 12:43

Waves at St George's crew...I am booked there too and am 31+4 - inbetweener we are almost due date buddies. See you on the post natal ward in about 8 weeks?

After my 28 week appointment they were going to leave me until 36 weeks too, but I am having an appointment at 34 weeks now because my bump is measuring small (3cm behind).

JFD, one of the St George's Consultants made a pretty inaccurate note of a consultation I had about VBAC vs ELCS earlier this pregnancy...to be fair though, she did write "not keen on induction" on my notes. If I were you I would make a signed and dated amendment as others have suggested.

inbetweener · 23/05/2011 12:52

OOh Hi pinky panther how weird ! We may be on the delightful matnerity wards at the same time lol.
Im planning on wearing a pink spotty maternity nightie so come say hi

Original poster

Justfeckingdoit · 23/05/2011 13:16

Thank you all for your very helpful feedback. Half glad that I am not going mad and half shocked that it happens so much

I have corrected my notes in red and will talk to them on Weds (and this time actually check my notes are an accurate record of the discussion!)

For the St Georges gang, I'll dig a little deeper into the induction happy comment and report back. From memory, I think she said it was around 40% (assume this is of people who go over their due date).

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pinkypanther · 23/05/2011 13:45

Ha ha inbetweener, will do! No idea what I'll be wearing yet, need to organise myself...

JFD 40% !!!

inbetweener · 23/05/2011 13:47

40% !!!!!!!!! Wow !!
Am going to have a look on the internal website now. Thats quite a lot isnt it ?
I really dont want to be induced so am quite concerned about that now !

Original poster

Justfeckingdoit · 23/05/2011 15:11

inbetweener will ask for confirmation of the stats and let you know. I thought it seemed very high too.

OP posts:

pinkypanther · 23/05/2011 17:43

I am pretty sure they can't force you to be induced though? You would have to consent...they would probably give you a hard sell on the risks of refusal and ask you to come in for daily monitoring after 40 weeks but it must be your choice.

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