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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Obstetric Cholestasis - can I demand induction/section?

13 replies

Almostcooked2021 · 13/09/2021 17:27

I’ve been diagnosed today with OC. I’m 38 weeks tomorrow. I have to go back to PAU tomorrow to see the doctor and for more tests. Their preference seems to be at this stage to attempt to medicate and control levels and monitor them.
However having read up on it there is an increased risk of stillbirth which naturally panics me.
Can I insist they induce / have a section immediately? Or do I have to follow their advice and wait it out.
The medication will help me but not reduce risks to baby. I’m not sure I can just sit it out as I’ll be constantly panicking as to whether she is ok.
Has anyone had this before? I understand it’s not an overly common condition.

Thanks

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Evenstar · 13/09/2021 17:34

I know of someone who had it and her children were both delivered early due to the risk of stillbirth, though I am unsure of how high the risk is.

I would be pushing for induction or ELCS at 38 weeks, I don’t see the merit in trying drugs etc once the baby is not going to be premature. My youngest was delivered at 38 weeks for other reasons and was absolutely fine.

CloudPop · 13/09/2021 17:35

I was diagnosed with it at 38 weeks and was immediately admitted for induction. This was 16 years ago so things may have changed, but certainly then they thought bringing the birth forward was imperative. I can understand how you feel - hope you can resolve this soon. Take care of yourself.

Twizbe · 13/09/2021 17:40

You can of course refuse the medication and ask for a c section / induction. You're over 37 weeks now so baby is full term.

See what they say tomorrow though. One friend of mine that had this was all set to be induced once they diagnosed her but she went into labour by herself before hand. The other friend had a section just before 37 weeks because baby needed to come out then!

They may examine you and feel that a spontaneous labour is pretty close anyway and see how you go. I had my first baby at 38+6 so it is possible for them to just turn up early by themselves

HR313 · 13/09/2021 17:57

I was diagnosed with OC at 36 weeks, was induced at 38 weeks (was a delay in my induction as unit was so busy) eventually had my second daughter 4 days ago at exactly 39 weeks. I wasn’t medicated or had any extra scans… the care was shocking. But she’s here and safe and to me that’s all that matters. If you aren’t happy, then please do push the health care professionals, after all this is about you and your unborn baby.

CornishTiger · 13/09/2021 18:00

Try and find the nice guidelines to inform you.

olivesnutsandcheeseplease · 13/09/2021 18:02

I was diagnosed with OC at 24weeks. Medication & monitoring worked for a while then it didn't. Was booked in for induction at 38weeks. Had DC the same day.

Original poster

Almostcooked2021 · 13/09/2021 18:12

Thank you everyone - I feel more confident to push for induction / section now.
My son was born by 38 weeks (his choice) so I’m not concerned it’s too early. Scan today predicted around 7 1/2lb (i know can be way out) so no size concerns etc.
I was surprised they were considering medication at this point too.

OP posts:

hermioneweasley44 · 13/09/2021 18:20

I was diagnosed with it at 37 weeks and induced the same week. I'm not sure why they would try to medicate at this stage, perhaps if it were earlier in the pregnancy but at 38 weeks baby is fine to be born.

Be aware that inductions naturally carry a higher risk of c-section as baby isn't always ready to be born! Could you request an elective?

Original poster

Almostcooked2021 · 13/09/2021 18:24

@hermioneweasley44 I was induced last time and it was horrific so something I really don’t want but baby comes first. Again I don’t want a section but with having group b strep as well recovering from having covid the last 2 weeks this is becoming a tempting option!

OP posts:

TheWindow · 13/09/2021 18:26

I had an elective c-section at 37 weeks with OC (couldn’t be induced as had had a previous emergency section).

My hospital routinely induced or delivered by section at 37-38 weeks. I’d push for an early delivery if I were you.

Nojobforoldmums · 13/09/2021 18:27

Do you know what your bile salt levels are?

Have you seen this for the latest guidance based on research?
icpsupport.org/about_management.shtml

Original poster

Almostcooked2021 · 13/09/2021 18:33

@Nojobforoldmums thanks - just read that and the nice guidelines which state that you can discuss an elective early induction / section.

Bile levels are 30 and lft is 178 as of today.

OP posts:

hermioneweasley44 · 13/09/2021 18:58

@Almostcooked2021 I'm pregnant again and as I've had OC before it's quite likely it'll come back this time. I plan to ask for an elective this time purely because my experience last time was so horrible. I'm sure given your history they will listen to your wishes, it's your birth after all. Good luck x

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