Doctor doesn't allow over 40 weeks

Blackvelvet

We have moved since my first baby.  I went to the doctors office today and meet with the nurse they took my history.  I had my first son at 41 weeks and she wanted to let me know that in three years they have not had a single person go over 40 weeks without an induction and most lead to c-sections as the Dr. is very inpatient.  I don't think I can handle a two hour drive in labor and I'm not sure I would have that much time anyway.  I need to change the mind of the group of doctors that work locally so that I can deliver after 40 weeks if I need to.  My mother and grandmother also delivered all their babies at 41 weeks it seems to be normal at least to us.  They also require an IV and no food, both things I do not agree with if there is no problem.

sschwege

Well, you probably can't change their mind, so I wouldn't waste my time doing that.  

Keep in mind that as a patient all medical procedures require your consent, so it makes no difference what your doctor 'allows' the final decision rests with you.  

For the recommended induction at 40w which is ridiculous, I would just let them know when they want to schedule it that you are not willing to agree to it.  You could offer to sign a waiver if that makes them feel better.  This really shouldn't be too hard since at least you won't be in labor and it won't be so hard to advocate for yourself and your baby. 

As for the IV, perhaps you might consider a saline lock instead as a good compromise?  This way they have easy access to a vein but there is nothing actually going in.  Or just decline it when you get to the hospital.  For eating, I would say just eat when nobody is looking.  But most importantly labor at home as long as possible, you will probably have far fewer issues if you arrive late in the game.  Have you considered hiring a doula?  

aylafsu88

sschwege said:

Well, you probably can't change their mind, so I wouldn't waste my time doing that.  

Keep in mind that as a patient all medical procedures require your consent, so it makes no difference what your doctor 'allows' the final decision rests with you.  

I agree. I doubt you will change the doctors mind. It seems like that is how their practice operates and the procedure that they like to follow. Is there any other practice you could go to? Is there any MW in your area that would do a home birth? I agree that driving 2 hours to another practice is to far but hopefully there is something better in your area.

As for induction it ultimately rests on you. It is your choice to show up at the hospital for an induction. I know that my H and I talked about this when I was pregnant. I refused to be induced (unless there was a true medical need) and was not going to allow anyone to scare me into induction. My Bradley instructor said if you are afraid of confrontation just do not show up. When they call tell them you forgot and need to reschedule. I know it is not ideal but it may buy you a few extra days. I guess you may run the risk of the practice dropping you but the hospital cannot turn away a woman in labor.
GL!

Blackvelvet

I have been looking for a MW but the only ones deliver at one of the two hospitals in the area and they are not very natural birth friendly, mostly due to the hospital policies.  I did talk to a girl that used my cloth diapers on her little one and she told me about a general doctor that does do a few deliveries but the hospital is not listing her as a Dr. that works in their labor and delivery.

The one I went to is the only office (two Dr.s) that delivers at the local hospital.  The other hospital that is about 35 min away has some other providers but I had looked at most of them when I was pregnant with my loose.  I will keep looking their might be an "undercover" type midwife around.

cecilyandgautam

I also think your best bet is to find another provider. You've done this before, so I'm sure you remember that it's not as simple as saying "no thanks" when an OB is dead set on interfering in your labor. You need a supportive provider that will for the most part, let you labor on your own. 

Since you have limited options, try offering up a heplock instead of an IV. Most Dr's can make their peace with that. 

boogerbearoriginal

According to your ticker, you're only 5wks along so you have a LOT of time to sort this out. While you likely won't change your Drs mind if he truly insists on inducing at 40w no matter what, you can always deny any medical procedure. Or, like PP suggested, just not show up to the induction date and play dumb - opps wrote down the 11th not the 10th. And then you've just bought yourself a few days without any huge discussion.

Regarding food - I'd just eat when no one is around. I only wanted food early in labor and light snacks so it wasn't a big work around. The nurses weren't watching me 24/7.

But I think it's worthwhile to talk with the actual Dr about all these things before making any decisions.  If there are midwives available I'd look into them too, while they may not be super natural birth friendly, it doesn't sound like this OB is either so it's not like you'd be losing much on that end.

nosoup4u

Damn, if the nurse at the office is talking about a high CS rate and drs. being impatient, run run run away. I would follow through with the leads you mentioned above, or look into a home birth MW. Good luck!

shiway

You are not going to change their mind. Sorry. I would drive the 2 hrs and not risk it. Most lead to c-section??? I wouldn't even step foot in there again. I would rather have an unassisted birth than put my care in their hands.

dmhrn13

find another doctor. the end. 

L0L0

Hopefully you can find another provider. I would hate to have to fight over every single issue. My ob practice for DD one freaked me out so much about intrauterine growth restriction and made me get a million ultrasounds, and then she turned out over 8 lbs. the midwives I switched to were just so much more relaxed and didn't obsess over things that can't be treated or changed.

waittilltomorrow

birthjunkie13 said:

Run like hell.  I'm not kidding.

This.

huntjul

birthjunkie13 said:

Run like hell.  I'm not kidding.

Yes, yes, yes.  Although you can theoretically decline, they're going to make it tough on you, and you probably will not end up being the exception to their policies that you're hoping.  If 2 hours away is your only option, then drive there and get a hotel room at the start of labor.

KrisM86

It's incredibly unreasonable, unsafe, and irresponsible for a practice not to "allow" women to go past 40 weeks. You can refuse an induction. Or you can change practices, which is what I would recommend. I would not feel comfortable with my care providers treating my *estimated* due date as an eviction date.

Blackvelvet

Update:  I have had another M/C the doctor still thinks I'm pregnant (but will not do a test) but it seems she is just a bad doctor.  I had an ultrasound at 6 weeks after spotting two days, this was two weeks after my BFP and over 4 weeks from last BD.  I was measuring 4 weeks along so two weeks behind.  They told me to see my baby at my next ultrasound in January as I was not having a M/C.  I have bleed now for over two weeks and it's bright red/ clots no pregnancy signs whatsoever in the last 10 days.  The two OB's at this office still think this is a viable pregnancy.  Will be driving to another town for an OB or RE not going back to this practice.

KrisM86

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

nosoup4u

I'm sorry for your loss. Good luck finding a new practice!

Blackvelvet

Thanks girls I will hopefully be back in a few months.

laurasuzanne2006

run!!!  and realistically i know 2 hours sound bad in labor(we are planning to drive 2.5 when the time comes) but if you head out in early labor before things get really intense it may not be as bad as you would think.  Thats my plan anyway

ElTrain5

Definitely run. Especially if this doctor is big on "impatience", can you imagine how you'll be treated if you flat out refuse to come in for a scheduled induction?

abirdd9

That's bull shit. Find a new practice.

NYGirl02

I'm so very sorry for your loss!