Well thanks for nothin'

[Beeper]

Went to my supposed 36 week consultant appointment, consultant was AWOL and had to see some random doctor. The doctor did not even have my notes, in fact it took two goes to get my notes. She had no idea of my history or really gave a crap about my concerns. It was a total and utter waste of time. Said I did not want CFM and wanted a active labour, she said 'you can be active on the bed or as far as the lead lets you go'. [hmmm]

It was a FARCE infact I was pretty near rolling on the floor laughing it was so bad.

I have come to expect nothing from the NHS.

your not alone beeper i had a similar experience. Mine was a 34 week check which included scan. Scan was ok but i saw a consultant who i was later told was not from our 'area'. She kept asking me questions about my medical history yet was sat with a wallet sized folder of my hospital notes dating back 20 years in her hands!

i asked her about how the baby was lying and was it back to back, she asked what i meant and when i tried to explain she looked perplexed and said she's never heard of that.

I too asked about being mobile during labour as i am to have iv antibiotics, i dont want to be restricted to the bed all the time yet she just smiled and said oh you wont have the antibiotics all the time and you can move around a little with an IV ????

Mind you my confidence in her was ruined from the onset as i heard a MW explaining some very basic things about my pregnancy to her before she came in the cubicle! she was supposed to be a consultant.

would have been better off just seeing the mw's.

Beeper, firstly ask your hospital why they do not have a radio monitor, and if they can get hold of one from somewhere else, or go to a different hospital.
Most hospitals have radio monitors for CFM.
Secondly, tell them you will do what you want and if they cannot provide radio monitoring that will mean intermittant monitoring if you feel the need to be mobile.
And thirdly why do they have your notes? I thoguht all pg women got given ther own notes?

WRT the consultant not being there, that's about all I would have been accepting of, I ahve seen doctors that are under my cons a few times but they're only doing what she has said because there are people that need her more at that time. If you really need to see your cons just ask loads of awkward questions, they'll soon go and find them.

Thanks ladies.

I think I will just have it in the shed.

When do you go 'in' when you are in labour, can you just stay out as long as you want?

Pretty much, you're best to call the labour ward so they know when you're coming, but everything you do is your choice and you must remember that.
With some care teams they will be great and constantly remind you of this (my current team do) but with others they like to make you think it's their choices and you're just a carrier (my previous care team was like that) so just keep reminding yourself they are there to do as you want and to advise you of any risks.

It's very hard when you feel you have to argue when in active labour. My tip for staying mobile and even getting out of the room when clamped to the bed and you don't want to have an argument -- tell them you need to go to the loo. And take forever about it.

thanks again.

Good tip about the toilet.

LOL got to that weepy stage where you have a obsecenly big bump, but have decided that i have made a mistake and want to change my mind about being preg.

Hmmmm I was induced (4 times) and the last time (possibly last 2 times) I refused to be monitored, beyond the 40 mins directly after the pessary was inserted). They can't make you be monitored.