Birthing plan
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Just a comment to say I’m 28 weeks tomorrow too so we’re right at the same stage! I’ve done a draft of my birth plan but think I’ll keep tweaking it as I get closer 🙈
I thought I knew what I wanted but then Iv just been diagnosed with GD so that's all out the window and I will do what's necessary to keep baby safe. Try not to focus too much on a plan as it can all change in a second - so many variables. My last pregnancy all was going smoothly, then baby decided to poop inside during early labour and I had to he hooked up to monitors for the duration. It is what it is.
I just had my 28 week appointment, I thought I would be asked about birth plan but that is actually at the 34 week appointment. So you have ages to look into it 😁 I think it's an hr appointment so they will go through options with you then xx
I had my 28 week midwife appointment today and they didn’t mention anything about a birth plan to me. I have had a thought about what I would like but haven’t actually made a plan or written anything down. Not really sure how it works x
Yes. My ideal birth plan is : Midwife led unit Water birth No pain relief Breathing techniques No coached pushing Immediate skin to skin Delayed cord clamping- cord tie not clip No hat Managed 3rd stage Undisturbed golden hour I have also made plans for induction ( I have GD so it might end up happening, as I went on insulin today) and unplanned c-section. This means I have control over every eventuality and won't feel lost or un prepared should plans change
@Jess you can still have the birth of your choice even with GD 😊
@Alana somebody told me they won't allow water births as you need to be on monitors throughout labour with GD?
I'm 28 weeks and saw midwife today. She said have a plan a and b for birth plan. When I told her I'm doing a hypnobirthing class and nct course, she said to do the plan after completing those x
@Jess I am high risk and they said water births are an option for me, it's only if there's a drop on baby heart rate or something they'd move to plan b where they can monitor you more easily. Otherwise they can use a waterproof doppler. Discuss your options with midwife x
My midwife hasn’t mentioned birth plan yet I’m 30 weeks but the way I see it is baby has to come out and I will do/have whatever is needed to keep us both safe
@Jess it's not down to anyone to allow you to do anything. Your body. Your baby. Your birth. Your choice. I'm making a plan ( with the consultant and midwife) to birth naturally , on a midwife led unit , in water. Along as your diabetes is controlled ( either by diet or medication) there's no need to be induced , and therefore no need to be monitored continuously . Even if you did want to be continuously monitored, many hospitals now have wireless waterproof monitering which would allow you to be in a pool. 😊 My " high risk" factors are, gestational diabetes- on insulin. Older maternal age. Baby number 4 so increased risk of PPH ( apparently) , previous group b strep, bladder ,bowel and womb prolapses, Ehlers danlos syndrome - hypermobile type.
@Alana thanks for this! You have given me hope
@Jess honestly, look at all the NICE guidelines because your hospital policy will be different. But that doesn't mean you have to accept what they offer. No one has to LET you do anything. Make an informed choice. Like I was told there's an "increased risk " of still birth, but they way they say it is like it's a massive increase .... the rate of still birth in none GD is 12 per 10000 , the rate in uncontrolled GD is 17 in 10000...so not that big of a jump.and also, no information on the risk in controlled GD , which is probably much more in line with the none GD stats. You can also speak to AIMS and birth rights. Consultant midwives, etc, to get balanced information and make informed consent . Also, with regards to continuous monitering, there is no evidence to suggest that improves fetal outcomes but there is evidence to suggest that increases the rate of cesarean. Plenty of information out there to help you make your decisions . I always use the BRAIN with any discussion which is Benefit, Risk...
@Jess Alternative, Instinct, Nothing, To help make decisions. Also remember when they offer interventions, they should offer you the benefits and risks of those, not just the benefits. So for induction they will likely say there are no risks but there are, shoulder dystocia being one, and increased levels of intervention being another. Also remember, any decision you make, you can always change your mind..nothings set in stone x
I have thought about what I would like and wouldn't like but as a rough guide because can all change. But we are likely to deliver earlier at 37 weeks so choices are between induction and scheduling a section if we haven't gone into labour then.