Continuous monitoring in labour question

[Diplidophus]

I'm going ofr a VBAC anytime now. I have relaised that the hospital policy is for continuous monitoring for a VBAC. Does this mean that I will have to labour whilst lying on the bed or can I have some mobility?

I find that in labour with DS1 I hated lying down and found the pain unbearable in comparison to being sat on a birthing ball.

you can be continously monitored while standing or sitting within the range of the leads. Sometimes though it is hard to get a good trace that way - but it should be possible.

i had continuous monitoring with my latest labour - I was able to stand and squat on a birthing ball, lean on bed, walk around the bed - I eventually gave birth on the bed, but just at the last minute,
wan't all bad with the straps and lead, they did get in the way, but was managable
gluck

It may depend on how good a trace they can get with you moving around. Some units now have telemetry monitoring which is wireless and should give you greater mobility - might be worth asking about. Also, jsut because hospital policy is for continuous monitoring doesn't mean you have to have it. The theory is that a uterine rupture may become evident by changes in the baby's heart rate. However, this is not failsafe - the baby's heartrate may not be affected immediately in the event of a rupture and there may be other warning signs which you don't need to be on the monitor to detect such as an increase in maternal pulse rate, pain between contractions, sudden cessation of contractions. If you are unhappy about being on the monitor then you might want to discuss it beforehand or when you go into labour.

Just wanted to say that you might find the hospital mw says you need to be on the bed, but you don't. If this happens just demand to be in whatever position you want. The leads on the monitor are long enough to be sitting on a ball, for example so don't let the mw tell you otherwise. Also if you think you might want a birthing ball or anything else ask for them before they start monitoring you so you have them handy.

thanks for all of you advice. I am trying to get hold of the head of midwifery at the hospital to discuss with her.

My unederstanding is that as long as I don't have an epidural I'll be the first to know that there has been a rupture.

You don't actually have to agree to continuous monitoring if you don't want it - if you look on the AIMS site here and search VBAC you'll find an article called "VBAC - on whose terms". It is quite possible for a MW to come and monitor you on a regular basis instead, which would be just as useful as someone occasionally glancing at a monitor on a front desk. Sorry but I feel a bit evangelical about continuous monitoring as I'm sure that's what lead to my EMCS with DD1.

I met with the materity unit head yesterday. She was very supportive and agreed that because risk of rupture is so low that I should have all the same options available to me as if I hadn't had a CS.

she agrred that there's no need to have continuous monitoring and I could use the pool to labour in.

It was a really positive meeting and I feel much happier about the birth now. Just worried that having put all the plans in place for a natural active birth I'll go in screaming for an epidural!

Oh Dipli, you are braver than me. I went on an antenatal course on sunday and they showed us a dvd of someone having an epidural.

Big needle in back versus labour pains, think I'll take the labour pains again! Am a big scaredy cat though when it comes to needles!

I def don't want an epidural - had one for my CS adn ahted the feeling of notbeing able to move my legs.

Can't say I rember enjoying the labour pains either. Hopefully Water, gas and air will get me through.

When are you due?

I'm due on the 1st Aug. Had gas & air and sheer bl**dy mindesness last time. Am hoping for the same plus the pool this time. Didn't realise the pool was an option last time.

Went on an ante-natal course on Sunday and was chatting to the MW at lunch who said that I will probably be able to breath it out this time. Not sure I want to try that one though!

When are you due?

30/6 - I have only just finished work so wnated a few days to myslef. I am now so bloody uncomfortable that I'm desperate!

Good luck!