internal uterus monitoring

RieTea

I am likely switching to a new dr. as I fear my current is pulling a bait and switch on me. In interviewing a "very pro-vbac and women's rights" practice here are their restrictions.

 1. will not induce labor from nothing(but will use low dose pitocin if needed)

2. required to have an IV started (but not required to recieve fluids)

3. require constant internal monitoring of the uterus (not sure what she called it so can't google what she said). I questioned that this would mean I was trapped in bed/couldn't get in the tub/shower. She said that I would be stuck in my room but not in bed but wouldn't be able to use the tub. She also indicated I could opt to delay during early labor so I could use the tub/walk.

The vibe I got from her was that if you are educated and know your options, they are willing to compromise on the "rules".

 Sound reasonable and promising??

bensbabe

I think I understand what you are asking from the title, but the rest of your post confused me slightly.

The internal uterine monitoring is a clear, plastic tubing that measures the actual strength of your contractions (intrauterine pressure catheter or IUPC). Your water has to be broken to place it. This monitor is helpful to determine if ctxs are strong enough to change your cervix. They can then decide to use pitocin to strengthen them w/o getting you uterus too stressed.

It doesn't limit your positioning, but it might make moving around (using a birthing ball, etc) a little harder. I think that if you wait as long as you can at home, you have a better chance of not needing those interventions.

I like the "rules" overall. They don't sound very restrictive, and she already said they are willing to compromise. Glad you had a good dialog w/your OB.

RieTea

post ended up being about more than just the internal monitoring, and more of a summary of the restrictions they have.

 I hadn't ever heard of the internal uterine monitoring before so I was just wanting to see how common it is and if it sounded like I should be worried about it.

She indicated that it was useful in determining if there was a rupture because of the loss of uterine 'pressure'. That isn't the word she used but pregnancy brain is getting the best of me.

bensbabe

RieTea:

post ended up being about more than just the internal monitoring, and more of a summary of the restrictions they have.

 I hadn't ever heard of the internal uterine monitoring before so I was just wanting to see how common it is and if it sounded like I should be worried about it.

She indicated that it was useful in determining if there was a rupture because of the loss of uterine 'pressure'. That isn't the word she used but pregnancy brain is getting the best of me.

Right. It's difficult to explain, but there is a certain pattern to watch for on the monitor that indicates UR.

Most OBs who are open to augmentation or induction with pitocin use the IUPCs to carefully monitor uterine status. The internal monitors are much more sensitive to changes than an outside/external monitor.

Nothing to be worried about. Your OB sounds VERY pro-VBAC, and is willing to even use interventions to help you have a successful VBAC. In fact, your "restrictions" are so much less than most who will "let" moms VBAC. Out of curiosity, how long will the OB let you remain pregnant before induction or RCS?

RieTea

42 weeks! But dear me if I go that long...I'm ready now.

 I have an appt with my current OB (who i've been with for 15+ years) to discuss my vbac concerns. He "allows" them but when I asked his nurse for stats on how many he has done, she said he hasn't done one in over a year! So, I'm fairly certain we are switching but it totally feels like I'm breaking up with someone.

So, I will be switching to this new practice that is much more vbac friendly. I'm already 33 weeks so I'm glad we already had an initial consultation and everything should go well.