Pre-op not as expected

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I had my pre-op today, delivering by c-section in a few days. I have an additional care plan to support my health needs.

During the pre-op I asked a question relating to my care plan and received an answer that I wasn’t expecting, I mentioned I’d been prepared for something different in my care plan. The HCP then told me that they hadn’t looked at my care plan.

I’ve tried to hold it together but I’ve been knocked sideways by this. I was alone at the appointment as DP is trying to save his holidays for when the baby is born.

Is it typical for care plans not to be viewed? I absolutely appreciate how stretched maternity units are and I feel embarrassed and ashamed that I brought it up. I’m feel I need to start managing my expectations before the birth.

I’m not sure what I’m expecting posting here. Any advice is welcome.

Depends who the HCP was. Consultant obstetrician/specialist MW then yes they’d probably have looked. MSW/MW making sure the bloods are done/antacids are sorted/fasting instructions are given then less likely.

When you say care plan, do you mean a plan written by an obstetrician or other medical professional? Or a birth plan written by yourself?

Only asking as I would assume your pre op was done by an anaesthetist, and I would have thought they would have read your medical notes pertaining to why you are having a c section and any health or risk factors that need to be taken into consideration.

As much as it is unexpected for them to not be in the know of your individual circumstances, there may have been a reason such as the clinic running late or other pressures that could have meant the full notes were not looked at properly (not excusing this).

On the day of your elective there will be more time to make sure that everyone is up to speed on the plan. Your partner can also advocate for you too. Ask your DP to say on the day when you go in and meet your allocated midwife who will be with you for your c section, that you are have x,y,z as part of your care plan and that he is just checking staff are aware. This will ensure if they are not then they have time to be before you go to theatre.

Really hoping all goes well for you, you will have your baby in your arms soon ❤️

Pre op isn’t done by an anaesthetist, usually it’s giving you some pre op drugs and taking bloods so you have a valid group and screen. The person doing the pre op clinic isn’t likely to be there at the birth.

OP when you come in for your CS hopefully you will be assigned a midwife who will stay with you through the surgery and they should be able to go through your plan with you and make sure your wishes are communicated. Good luck xx

Pre ops are often done by anaesthetists, depending on the trust. I work in obstetric theatres and our anaesthetists run the pre op clinic.
There is also a midwife that works alongside them that does the bloods and gives out medication needed.

Why would they? They just doing your pre op checks …..get you in and out….you won’t see them again

I don’t think it means anything, can you not ask your midwife or consultant about how it’ll work on the day? My pre op was just getting a blood test and picking up those anti acid tablets. I saw a random HCA and it was very in/out.

someone doing pre op wouldn't be aware of any care plan. they are just doing routine checks etc

@Iwouldlikesomecake in lots of Trusts anaesthetists do see patients at the pre-op appointment.

It’s a care plan that’s been written by a specialist team due to medical need, it’s not a birth plan of preferences that I’ve put together.

OP I’ve a drug allergy - that directly impacts anesthesia in c-sections. I cannot have standard meds. It’s written in bold on the outside of my file and flagged on the computer. Yet each section I’ve had (2 EMCS so far, one ELCS scheduled) there seems to be panic or complete unawareness in the run up to surgery and on the AM of. But each time my actually procedures have been brilliant. It always feel very last minute but on the day the Consultant has popped down for a chat before I’m taken into theatre and I know what the plan is/feel they know enough that I’m safe. Oddly as chaotic as it seems in the run up - I think it’s just a lack of time to read individual notes so each early appointment proceeds as if it’s ‘standard care’ BUT on the day the team has the extra time they need and the specialist knowledge. Getting the chance to talk to people who will be in the room, is helpful!

Yes and a lot don’t- great if that’s what happens in some trusts but in all the places I know, it’s not. Where I work if you need anaesthetic review you go to anaesthetic clinic specifically. Just saying it might be normal for that trust.