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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

37 weeks and so angry/ fed up with consultants comments

26 replies

Tigerlily08 · 21/06/2022 18:03

Sorry for a long one - I need advice... I'm 37 weeks exactly and had my last antenatal clinic today - I'm Type 1 Diabetic so considered high risk and have been consultant led throughout.

This is my 2nd baby and my 1st is only 14 months. I had PGP from the 3rd trimester with my first but it started at 10 weeks with this baby. I had a nasty horse riding accident where the horse landed on top of me between my legs damaging my pelvis so they think this has triggered the PGP.

It's been getting progressively worse since then but Saturday night it was AGONISING and Sunday was no better so I called triage asking for advice and they asked me to go in for assessment. They couldn't do anything as I'm already taking codeine and I requested bringing my section forward from 39 weeks to 38 - the thought of this pain for another 2 weeks is killing me. They said they couldn't authorise it so to speak to the consultants today.

I look after my 14 month old on my own and have no help when DP is doing shift work which I'm finding almost impossible. She doesn't walk yet and is so heavy - the triage doctor told me I shouldn't be lifting her - very helpful when you have no choice...

Today I almost ended up in tears during my growth scan because of the pain - they laid the bed flat to get a better view of the head and it was awful. I'm barely managing to walk.

I'm currently popping up to 8 co-codamol a day just to be able to do the bare minimum.

I gave all of the reasons above and the consultant gave a firm 'no' because there are no medical grounds to get her out a week early. She told me that as a mother I should be willing to take a bit of pain for my baby's wellbeing. I explained that I had another baby I needed to consider as well and she just responded that their priority was delivering my baby safely.

She prescribed me more co-codamol and told me that if the pain became unbearable then to call triage - which it already has become and I did call triage.

I went to the pharmacy to collect the co-codamol and the pharmacist pulled me to one side and said she called the consultant as they do not like prescribing co-codamol at this stage in pregnancy as it can cause the baby to go into withdrawal at birth. The consultant told her I had been taking paracetamol which wasn't working - this is not what I said. The pharmacist then said that I should aim to only take 1 tablet a day rather than 3 - I told the consultant I was taking up to 8!!

My question is - is there anything else I can do because I'm now so worried that the co-codamol is going to be way more dangerous than it would be to have my baby at 38 weeks. I'm scared to take co-codamol, but I dread to think what the pain will be like without it - or even on 3 a day!

OP posts:

heartbroken22 · 21/06/2022 19:46

Aww hun I am so sorry you're going through this. Could you see another consultant? Id maybe put in a complaint about her and what she said and how you're concerned that you're having to take so many co codamol. She definitely sounds very rude. Perhaps speak to your doctor too and see if they can put in a referral. I'd hope your midwife could help too?

BiscuitLover3678 · 21/06/2022 19:47

Please ask for a second opinion!

hammsalllad · 21/06/2022 19:52

I would call triage and tell them you want referring for a second opinion and don't want the consultant you have been dealing with to have anything to do with it.

They are not putting you or your baby first by prescribing medication that's potentially detrimental to your baby and putting you through unnecessary pain.

37 weeks is considered full term, you do not need to go through this

Ukholidaysaregreat · 21/06/2022 20:05

37 weeks is full term. They are still a bit early at 37 weeks but with everything you have written they should be looking to help you and doing the cesarean at 38 weeks. Can you find some one to advocate for you at the hospital? Do you have a supportive GP or just a gobby relative who you could take with you to see the consultant. Good Luck 💐

Pinkflipflop85 · 21/06/2022 20:23

I would push for a second opinion. I had to have codeine briefly after 37 weeks and it had to be taken in hospital with baby constantly monitored.

henni85 · 21/06/2022 20:34

Codeine will cause withdrawal. I was on it for SPD and pre-existing back pain when I went into labour at 37 weeks. Ask for dihydrocodeine, it has a shorter half life so stays in your system for a shorter time. My consultant was a pita as well. My little boy had a couple of rough days, but he was early and had some breathing problems as well because no steroids were given. Loads of skin to skin and comfort feeding helped him through it

katnyps · 21/06/2022 20:46

Oh love PGP is the worst - I don't think that consultants or other health professionals who haven't been through it really realise how utterly debilitating it is! It affects everything in your life from looking after your other children to sleeping. Have you found the pelvic partnership website? Lots of useful advice there for people in your position and a helpline too.

windowout · 21/06/2022 20:54

Ask for a second opinion/alternative clinician. Be really assertive and stress your concerns. You can escalate via a senior manager, midwife or alternate consultant or go via PALS but be clear it's urgent. If you experience problems tell them you will be making a formal complaint - sometimes that makes them listen more.

Good luck. Unfortunately when we are at our most vulnerable we sometimes are required to be our most assertive and stubborn. You can do this.

Sorry you are having such a shit time x

indecisiv · 21/06/2022 21:01

Ask for a second opinion. I had a c section at 38 weeks and they weren't concerned at all, just prescribed steroids as a precaution. Without steroids the baby is more at risk of breathing difficulties when born at 38 weeks via section compared with 39 weeks.

I was also taking medication that came with risk of baby withdrawing. She was monitored for 48 hours. I'd be asking if they planned to do that for you.

Original poster

Tigerlily08 · 21/06/2022 22:25

Thank you all, they haven't said anything about additional monitoring. I said to the consultant that I was worried about withdrawal and she just said it would be fine... she was so much more focused on me not having steroids. I get it can cause blood sugars to go high as a Diabetic, I had them with my 1st DD but was carefully monitored and was fine.

I wanted my partner there to help me advocate but he had to work. I cried in the appointment because I am just at my wits end with it.

Perhaps I will try Triage again, I just wasn't really sure what to ask for as they weren't helpful on Saturday when I went in - I thought I'd just end up going in circles. Also the triage is at a different hospital (where I will be delivering) but it's 40 mins drive away which is a pain.

She 100% made me feel like I was just being melodramatic and completely selfish - like I only cared for myself and not my baby. Like you say, I don't think they have any idea how painful it really is. I'll definitely be contacting PALS/ complaining x

OP posts:

RoseslnTheHospital · 21/06/2022 22:39

Do you have any relatives that could come and help you out for a week or two? Or can your partner take some unpaid leave for this duration? I can't believe your partner would want your baby to be withdrawing from co codamol at birth and for you to be in agonising pain when someone could help you with your DD and let you rest.

Perfect28 · 21/06/2022 22:42

Do you see a midwife as well as consultant?

Basilbrushgotfat · 21/06/2022 22:49

I'm sorry you've been treated like this op :( I agree strongly with pp and also wonder if this charity might be of help:
pelvicpartnership.org.uk/

Original poster

Tigerlily08 · 22/06/2022 08:21

All of my family are over 100 miles away, but my mum is going to try and come up more to help. None of my DPs family can drive. They offer assistance but it involves me packing my DD up and driving to them which by the time I've done that I'm feeling awful anyway so I just don't do it.

We're tight on money as it is at the moment so unpaid leave isn't an option for 2 weeks for my partner but we have just found out he can share some of my maternity (we work at the same place) so we're thinking that we will do that until she is here so I can stop taking painkillers completely.

I do have a midwife but she is based in the Diabetes Team at the hospital who all work under this consultant.

I will check out the Pelvic Partnership, thank you!

OP posts:

Perfect28 · 22/06/2022 17:12

Speak to your midwife. She is an expert and she doesn't work under the consultant she works alongside. She should advocate for you.

Jaaxe · 22/06/2022 17:22

I am only 13 weeks, I’ve had 3 csections in the past so this will be my 4th, last pregnancy I suffered with horrendous PGP I was on crutches and had to have loads of therapy. Have you been referred to the womens health physio? I’m guessing you have. This pregnancy I have already spoken to my consultant who is lovely and she has basically said due to my history they would likely do my section at 38 weeks….she said they can do them from 37 weeks although they ideally like to wait till 38 weeks and routine ones for those without issues are done at 39weeks (my previous electives I had at 39weeks) however in my previous pregnancy they were saying 39weeks no sooner so I think it depends on the consultant and also how sympathetic they are to womens issues. Hope you are ok it’s horrendous, I’m worried I’m going to end up in a wheelchair this time 🥴 xxx

Groovybic · 22/06/2022 17:34

They shouldn't have laid the trip on about you should be willing to put up with pain for your child, but if they don't think the risks and benefits balance out and aren't willing to sign it off then all you can do is seek a second opinion (although it's likely to be the same as the first). They are correct about their priority, of course if your life was at risk that would be taken into account, but although its agony that's not the case. Its unfortunate you can't afford for DH to have time off of work but it sounds like he very much needs to.

CurbsideProphet · 22/06/2022 17:40

Rather than PALS the Maternity Voices Partnership could be more helpful for you (they are like PALS but specifically for maternity services). Will get you the link so you can check they're in your area...

CurbsideProphet · 22/06/2022 17:43

nationalmaternityvoices.org.uk/find-an-mvp/

MVP were great for me when I had issues with maternity services. I sent an email and it was escalated by them to the matron within 24 hours.

I'm really sorry you're going through this.

RandomMess · 22/06/2022 17:44

Bless you the pain is horrific.

I had a 14 month gap and she was 99th centile and also not walking. She used to crawl up the stairs for me. I kept the pushchair in the house so I just had to put her in it and then push rather than carry her and I also found leaning on the pushchair helped.

I used to go up and down the stairs on my bum.

I would ask for a 2nd opinion, the moved my induction date forward so I don't understand with both issues why they won't agree to 38 weeks.

BabyWhatsYourName · 22/06/2022 17:46

OP, I am also Type 1 diabetic and had an ELCS at 38 weeks, just 2 weeks ago. I wasn't diabetic when I had my other 2 kids (late onset) but from what my consultant said it seemed that was their standard procedure with diabetic mothers.

Do you know how big they are expecting baby to be?

ashburtonlil · 22/06/2022 17:52

I'm sorry you're in so much pain. I'm in a similar position with the PGP. It sounds like what you need is childcare and rest.

cookiesandcream24 · 22/06/2022 18:04

Oh gosh I feel for you as I had it awful too. Please look up the pelvic partnership and go and see one of the specialist physios on there hopefully you'll find one not too far from you.

Highly recommend, she nearly cured me! At least bought me a few months pain free before lock down hot and they closed so couldn't go anymore.

AmericanStickInsect · 22/06/2022 18:35

I disagree with previous posters. Time in the womb is irreplaceable for babies, it's not all the same after a certain time. Taking steroids etc to mature lungs doesn't come without risks to baby. Outcomes are better at 39 weeks than 38, that's why most elective c sections are scheduled for then, it's not just random or tradition.
You don't need to deliver early for your oldest child, your DP needs to take emergency leave.
You also need better advice on pain relief - in my opinion codeine is not the best analgesia for this type of pain.
Childcare can be sourced, pain relief can be adjusted, help can be given, you can be given the opportunity to rest, but no one can recreate or replace time your baby spends growing inside you. It's very valuable and you won't get the chance again to give this to your baby.
This pain and this situation will be over and in the past in the not too distant future. If your current plan/support/pain relief doesn't allow you to have confidence you can get through the next 2 weeks, then you need to change the plan, not your baby's delivery date.

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 22/06/2022 21:12

Oh @Tigerlily08 sounds dreadful.

Aside from the codeine what are they doing to help your PGP? Physio, support bands? Crutches?
I realise crutches with non Walker will be tricky but you you sling and use crutches??

Just thinking anything to help you 'limp' through?

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