Thinking of declining consultant led care

[ApparentlyAnOldMum]

I’m 37 and just found out I’m expecting 3rd DC.

My midwife told me I “have” to be consultant led due to my age.

Im considering declining - I had a consultant led first pregnancy which created a huge amount of anxiety for me. And a midwife led second, which was a much smoother experience.

I’m keen not to have extra scans - due to first pregnancy experiences. I’d much rather be midwife led and referred IF there is a problem, not automatically referred for no reason beyond my age.

Just wondering for those who were consultant led because of age: did you find it helpful? What would I be missing out on? Am I likely to have my dreams of a home birth messed up by consultant led care?

Any previous experiences very welcome - thank you!

I was consultant led from a young age due to a rare blood group.. Never have me anything but added assurances. I had a dc at 37 and 43. At 43 my consultant took me in a wheelchair for an emcs. He crashed into walls and the lift doors. Luckily he was a great consultant.. With added years equaling added scans it really is a good thing op..

Perfectly possible to have a consultant who thinks every woman should give birth in a hospital, and politely decline. My then DH was good to asking" but why specifically does x apply to my wife? based on what measurement/symptom?"

All my pregnancies were consultant led.
I had 2 home births in my 40s.

I was consultant lead for dc2, not due to age but because I was high risk with dc1 due to a very high BMI but no other health issues.
By DC2 I had a healthy range BMI so no health concerns or risk factors at all but was told it was standard procedure due to dc1 being consultant lead.
To be fair, once I saw the consultant they were confused as to why I was there too, and said I could have the extra scans but didn't need any more consultant appointments and I could have any birth I wanted to (home birth/birth centre etc)

So my point is you may go along, and if maternal age is the only risk factor they may just keep an eye with extra scans but it doesn't enevitably mean they will need to do further intervention or stop you having whatever type of birth you chose. It doesnt automatically mean you must be induced/made to give birth strapped to machines on a consultant lead ward etc.
I would personally take the extra scans just as reassurance/peace of mind and if everything is looking normal then you also have leaverage to say to midwives/drs that everything is normal so why can't you have the birth plan you choose.

I was consultant led because of having an emcs first time round. I had two phone calls with the consultant and that was it.

If it's literally because of your age and your previous pregnancy went smoothly I would decline and say you'll see how the pregnancy progresses and if any further indicators come up then you'll consider it.

You can absolutely decline, not sure why you need a consultant for being 37?? Our local guidelines are to refer if it's your first pregnancy and you're over 40.

You can choose to give birth at home regardless of if you're midwife/consultant led!

Not sure why you’re consultant lead because if your age. I thought that was for 40+. I’m 38 and had to see a consultant (but actually was a registrar in the end) to get my planned c section signed off but been midwife lead all along and I’m now 31 weeks. I’ve not had to see a consultant after getting that c section signed off.

I was consultant led for my second pregnancy (though not for age). I think it totally depends on the consultant and the midwife. My first the midwife regularly asked the consultant for advice but things were missed and it was one big muck up. The second was far better and I had a registrar who took me on under consultant and she was fab. I’d say perhaps try consultant led, but be firm in what you want. You have a right to change hospitals at any time and that can be worth exploring if a smaller hospital has policies that don’t suit you based on staffing or similar. My consultant led pregnancy was a home water birth, so it’s possible to keep the plan you want unless something drastic occurs. Really hope whichever choice you make, it goes smoothly.

I declined consultant led care prompted by the fact that it was an ivf pregnancy - no other risk factors. It was fine. The consultant was happy to discharge me without seeing me.

Something was then spotted at my 20 week scan that meant I needed an additional scan at 28 weeks to see if the issue had resolved. It hadn't, so I went back under consultant led care then, which I was ok about as there was a clear reason for it.

I’m also surprised it’s just because of your age. Are you in the UK? I’m also 37 and that’s not affected me in how I’m dealt with compared to when I was 34. I’m not consultant lead. I had a EMCS last time and I’m requesting a c-section this time. I’ve been told I’ll have to speak to consultant for this as all women do to sign it off but that’s it for involvement of consultants.

Thanks for all your replies everyone! I question it at my booking appointment and the MW was more than happy for me to decline consultant care. I did stress that if any issues cropped up I would be more than happy to see a consultant. Thanks for the reassurance/thoughts all!