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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Issues with pregnancy/giving birth

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HandDivedScallopsrgreat · 01/07/2011 15:00

I am currently 23 weeks pregnant and 40 yrs old. For this pregnancy I have a consultant. Initally I wanted a homebirth but this is looking further and further away. A birth free from medical intervention would be my ideal, after having had an epidural and forceps with DS, severe 2nd degree tears and a badly bruised son. DS (21 mo) had a hypoglycemic fit after birth (after a seemingly normal pregnancy) and as a result they thought I may have had gestational diabetes. I don't know yet if I have GD this pregnancy but obviously that is going to increase the risk of a more medicalised birth. The consultant does not want me to go past my EDD regardless of GD because of my age and the risk of placental insufficiency (although apparently there is no evidence of this - it is just a hunch). A friend of my Mum (a GP) has also said that there is an increased risk of the baby getting its shoulder stuck if I go over term and that could result in 3rd degree tears (DS was 11 days late so it?s not looking good for a natural early birth!). In addition, I am quite vehement about avoiding a CS as it is a major operation and a friend of mine died after having one .

I am beginning to feel a little out of control. I don't know what information there is out there and whether the information I have been given I can trust in order to make my own decision.

I should probably put this in the Pregnancy section or something but I find this area a safe area for discussing matters that affect women. Although this isn't necessarily a feminist issue per say, it arises because I am a woman and pregnant! I would also like a more feminist perspective than I would get in other sections as I do feel it is about keeping control, not having choices denigrated, having autonomy over my body and marrying that with the undercurrent of fear for my baby?s safety - all of which are feminist issues.

So the questions I am asking from a support perspective are
Is having a homebirth just a pipe dream?
Does anyone know where I can go to get information/any support groups or organisations where I could discuss options? Or does anyone know anything about GD and/or being over 40 and giving birth?

From a feminist perspective:
Is it reckless to go against a consultant?s advice or would it ultimately be safer for me as the mother to be less stressed during labour and therefore enable me to deliver as naturally as possible? I suppose it comes down to: at what point should fighting for the birth that I want (i.e. my rights) give way to the medical advice I have been give? I will be meeting the consultant again in about 6 weeks so I will have an opportunity to ask more questions.

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EvaPeron · 15/08/2011 11:16

As part of your research, google "Bishop Score", wikipedia have a good description. It's a point score system which is assessed by a midwife (with a VE), and it indicates how close you are to going into labour spontaneously and how likely an induction is to be successful.

My hypnobirth instructor discussed it, but my midwife didn't. My induction (gel and drips) was straightforward with no further interventions, but as my waters had gone already following a sweep, I was probably pretty close anyway. I suspect the women who have real problems with inductions are the ones who have a low score and are a long way off being ready. Hopefully that will give you a better idea when the time comes.

www.homebirth.org.uk has a good 'can I have a home birth if...' section and advice on persuading medical staff if you want to.