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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

can I refuse forceps?

21 replies

hullabaloo234 · 17/03/2015 19:06

Hello all! I am seeing my midwife on Friday and I know she wants to discuss my birth plan so wanted some advice ahead of that if anyone can help? I am 27 weeks pregnant wih my second DC. DC1 was born in 2007 and since her birth I have had serious problems with my bowel. I am terrified that if I ended up needing forceps I could end up sustaining further damage and even end up incontinent. I understand that the risk of this is very slim,but my life is dominated by my bowel already, if it were to become worse I don't know what I would do I am within my rights to state from the off that I refuse consent for the procedure,and that instead of waiting if I have difficulty to see if it resolves and risk waiting to long, insist that if it's looking like a possibility I will need help I want a section? Hopefully this is all a moot point because my delivery will be straightforward, but I want to be clear with the hospital what my views are from the very beginning if I am allowed to. If anyone has any knowledge in this area and can advise I would be ever so grateful! Thank you x

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Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 17/03/2015 19:07

that should be am I within my rights,not I am! wish there was an edit button!

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JontyDoggle37 · 17/03/2015 19:11

You can absolutely refuse forceps just write in bold at the top of your birth plan a snake sure your birthing partner informs the midwife as soon as you get to hospital. However, do evaluate first if forceps are likely to have any effect at all on your bowel.

passthewineplz · 17/03/2015 19:19

I can see where you're coming from, but if the baby is in distress/ or you're having problems and they need to get baby out as quickly as possible, it would usually involve trying forcepts or a ventouse as the procedure carries less risks than a cs which may end up causing you further issues with your bowl.

I had forcepts, but subsequently needed a cs as my DD just wasn't budging! Personally I'd have prefered the forcepts as the CS recovery was awful.

Best think to do is discuss with your MV so you can make an informed decision x

gallicgirl · 17/03/2015 19:19

Forceps refusal has been on both my birth plans but fortunately wasn't necessary anyway.

the mw went through my reasons and discussed reasons why forceps might be necessary so she was sure I understood risks.
I pointed out I'd prefer to go straight to c-section but apparently there are times when this isn't possible as baby is too far down birth canal.

I think its sensible to examine risks and outcomes and be aware of all eventualities. Have you considered whether a c-section would be a more appropriate option for you?

passthewineplz · 17/03/2015 19:25

Also I know its your preference not to have one, I didn't want any pain relief other than gas and air and stated this in my notes. However that idea went out of the window when I went into labour, and I had every drug going!

And by the time I neeed to be taken to theatre I just didn't care what they did, as long as she was out and safe. So you might find even though it's your preference on the day you might change your mind.

BikeRunSki · 17/03/2015 19:27

Could you ask for an elective section (due to fears about bowel and associated mental health issues)? Sounds extreme, but it would remove the risk of forceps in a controlled manner, rather than in the heat of the moment.

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 17/03/2015 19:30

thank you so much for all your replies. the risk of bowel damage from forceps is rare but it can cause urinary and bowel incontinence-this terrifies me as my bowel impacts on my life daily as it is I have thought about just going straight to CS but I really enjoyed giving birth last time,so would love to do it again! I'm also hoping to avoid having to stay in hospital so no epidural etc. I have had previous abdominal surgery so I know it's no walk in the park. I guess I will go through my concerns with my midwife fri and maybe my consultant at the end of the month.

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feministdog · 17/03/2015 19:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 17/03/2015 19:37

I too am under a consultant so maybe that's the way to go and raise it with him when I next see him. I know I must sound crazy but even a slight risk if ending up incontinent I just cannot risk it. If an elective CS is the only way to avoid forceps then maybe that's the way I will have to go

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passthewineplz · 17/03/2015 19:56

Perhaps write a list of your concerns to raise with your consultant. I do however think a cs carries far more risks to damaging your bowl than the forcepts.

Either way both procedures carry risks.

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 17/03/2015 20:05

Yes thank you,will write everything down and take it with me

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passthewineplz · 17/03/2015 20:14

You don't sound crazy btw - I totally understand your concerns.

Re pain relief I can't recommend the birthing pool enough. I found it bloody fantastic! And cried like a baby when I had to get out

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 17/03/2015 20:19

I meant to try the pool last time but never made it in the end! My consultant will make the decision at 37 weeks whether or not I can go to the MLU so fingers crossed he will let me and I will be in the pool like a shot!

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passthewineplz · 17/03/2015 20:23

If you can def give it a go, or if they won't let you go on the MLU I'd get in the bath!

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 17/03/2015 20:27

Yes good idea! I have terrible and pain and cramps very similar to contractions caused by my bowel condition and a hot bath always helps with those so will defo use it during labour

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iniquity · 17/03/2015 20:58

I don't believe c sections put the bowel at risk although there is a small possibility of the surgeons accidently cutting the bladder. That is why they insert a catheter I believe.

Notrevealingmyidentity · 17/03/2015 21:10

You can decline any medical procedure you please unless you are under section. Even then you have some say.

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 18/03/2015 09:04

My research hasn't shown much evidence of bowel damage from section either, whereas forceps carries a small but definite risk if bowel nerve damage causing incontinence. If I had to choose I would rather have the recovery of a section than years of reconstructive surgery and misery Will discuss my fears with the midwife and my consultant though and see what they say. I would rather not go straight to elective CS but if they can't reassure me that they won't use forceps full stop I guess I may have to. Fingers crossed it doesn't come to that!

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Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 18/03/2015 09:07

Thank you all for your responses, I really do appreciate it xx

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TouchPauseEngage · 18/03/2015 10:07

Would you mind updating this thread op, once you've had your conversation with midwife/consultant?
This is my first DC but I'm very very nervous about forceps. Several people close to me have had bad experiences and I sustained quite severe injuries from them at birth (30 years ago so I know techniques will have improved)
I know that there are times when they are the only option but I would also like to go for a CS earlier than usual if there are any concerns in order to avoid their use. Good luck!

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 18/03/2015 10:55

of course touch, no worries! seeing her Friday so will update you Friday evening as to how it goes

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