continual monitoring

[beeper]

I am 27 weeks pregnant.

I had a C/section 9 years ago because of failure to progress.

I had a ectopic pregnancy removed in 2001.

I have been advised by the consultant to try for a VBAC. I do not want to be put on the monitor like I was with DS as I laboured for hours at home on my feet. Spoke to the midwife today and she said you can stand up as the monitor has a wire but its a short one.

Can any of you ladies who have had a vbac or a trial vbac dealt with this monitoring issue.

Thanks

I read recently that there is no evidence that continuous monitoring is better than intermittent auscilation and is likely to hold labour back, if anything. However, this is just something I read in a book (by Michel Odent) and may not be current. Maybe you'd be best to read around the subject.

You can insist on intermittent monitoring. 'Failure to progress' is a terrible term which means nothing except 'failure to comply with arbitrary hospital guidelines of how fast you should dilate'.

I am having a VBAC (em section for pre-eclampsia following failed induction - note the induction failed to do anything, twas bugger all to do with me!) I have agreed to fifteen minute interval monitoring via doppler or belt but I'm not having continuous monitoring. It's pointless and worrying.

Also I'm having the sound turned off on the monitors and headphones on the dopplers. If they want to write down numbers that's fine by me, I don't think it's helpful to be told 'ooh heartbeat decelerrated during that contraction' Well of course it did stupid, that's what happens!

Sorry but I feel quite strongly that you shouldn't accept any 'required' protocol unless there are legitimate medical reasons - related to this pregnancy.

I had a VBAC, did have CFM, wires long enough to stand by the bed and rock and move a little. this was before i found mumsnet !! my VBAC was succesful.

current research agrees that CFM does not give / guarantee a better outcome than intermittent ausculation. DaisyMOO has some good stuff on this, will try to find it

you do not have to consent to CFM

you can make an informed decision to have intermittent monitoring.

you have more chance of a succesful VBAC if you have a spontaneous labour and you can listen to your body and move as you need to.

Thanks ladies...

Another question if I may.

How the blinkin heck do they moniter you when you are at home labouring.....is there a limit that you can only stay home for...do you have to inform them when your labour starts?

erm, they don;t monitor you at home !! unless they do the DOMINO scheme....

stay at home as long as you can bear it, the less time you are in hospital, the less time there is for you to be steered towards following VBAC time limits and protocol

make a note of anything that is out of the ordinary... e.g pain that does not subside between contractions

this is interesting from mary cronk

That is interesting lulu - thanks

Oh and round here, the mws carry dopplers for intermittent home monitoring.

lucky you

anyhoo, my VBAC advice from my obs

stay at home until you are having contractions every 5 minutes, 3 if you can bear it...