I certainly would prefer to have a cannula in and ready to use in an emergency than losing lots of blood, having my veins shut down and then junior doctors struggling to do one.
Cannulas don't leave needles in you, just a plastic tube and if it's in properly they don't hurt and should restrict you.
But I have a very medical view on these things, I could never think of a home birth or birth in a midwife only unit as I personally need the reassurance of knowing that an operating theatre, a surgeon, as paediatrician and anaesthetic are minutes away to rescue my baby.
My son was a grade 2 emergency c sec, that is he was showing distress, so not immediate life threatening but just one hour to get him out. He was fine but his apgars were on the low side initially.
Afterwards I was really traumatised thinking what could have happened if the midwife didn't interpret the CTG properly.
Anyhow- that's just my experience and opinion.
Wish me luck today, have the in laws coming for the day and no doubt she will comment on how huge I am which pisses me off. I have been at work /uni for the last 12 days and have loads of work to do so could do without there visit!! Plus don't get me started about them visiting when the baby is born- boundaries don't exist, she bloody got into the recovery room the first time when I was just out of theatre - WTF!!! Deep breath.
Have a lovely Sunday all and thinking of those with scans this week. Xx