Continuous Fetal Monitoring

Jayhawk08

I had my son in January via crash c-section after being complete and pushing unmedicated.  Both my midwife and the OB who performed the surgery have said I'm the perfect VBAC candidate as the section was a result of LO tying his feet up with the cord and nothing to do with my body.

Anyway when I spoke with my midwife she said the only thing different about next time would be that I'd have to be on monitors the entire labor. Is this pretty standard? I hate the idea ofbeing stuck with monitors that only allow me to move a few feet. So I'm curious if other hospitals don't require it or if monitoring is my new reality for any future babies. I love my midwife, but I think I would consider another provider if constant monitoring wasn't necessary.

Thanks for the input! 

iris427

Yes, it is standard.  I am not sure how evidence-based it is.  When I interviewed one midiwfe practice, I found out that they required continous monitoring, but that one of the CNMs chose to have intermittent monitoring when she had a VBAC herself.  I think either is a reasonable choice.  I had intermittent monitoring with my VBAC but it was a home birth.  Some hospitals or providers may be more willing to accommodate intermittent monitoring and others may be pretty resistent.  GL.

Mamaofthesea

Yeah, I think it's standard. My midwife/OB practice is very VBAC friendly, and they said I have to have continuous monitoring too. But did your midwife tell you explicitly that being on monitors meant you can't move around? If not, I would clarify with them. The monitors they will be using on me are totally portable so I can still walk around, get in whatever position I want, etc. They are even water proof so I can be in the shower, tub, whatever. And since moving around and getting in different positions increases your chances for a successful VBAC, I would think this would be taken into consideration in your case as well. 

Also, I was told I can labor at home for as long as I want, within reason, of course (with no monitors), so if this is cool with your midwife as well it's not like you'd be on a monitor from the moment you have your first contraction.

iris427

Mamaofthesea:

Yeah, I think it's standard. My midwife/OB practice is very VBAC friendly, and they said I have to have continuous monitoring too. But did your midwife tell you explicitly that being on monitors meant you can't move around? If not, I would clarify with them. The monitors they will be using on me are totally portable so I can still walk around, get in whatever position I want, etc. They are even water proof so I can be in the shower, tub, whatever. And since moving around and getting in different positions increases your chances for a successful VBAC, I would think this would be taken into consideration in your case as well. 

Also, I was told I can labor at home for as long as I want, within reason, of course (with no monitors), so if this is cool with your midwife as well it's not like you'd be on a monitor from the moment you have your first contraction.

Ask if they have telemetry (wireless) monitors. 

Jayhawk08

She said the tub wouldn't be an option because of the monitors I assume that meant no shower either. I was on the monitors with my son for most of the labor because of his heart rate issues and I wasn't able to go more than a couple feet so it definitely wasn't very mobile. Maybe by the time I have another one they'll have some portable waterproof monitors

Ugh I just hate that I can't escape the c-section. I have mastitis and I went into the doctor on Thursday it and on my check-in sheet in big capital letters it said CESEAREN as if that had anything to do with why I was there. Bah, I don't want to be constantly reminded of it. Sorry just had to rant there

nosoup4u

Does the hospital have a telemetry (wireless) unit? I'd request one, or find a hospital in your area that has them. CFM is standard, like everyone said before. I showed up pushing, and they still strapped that thing on the whole time I was giving birth during my VBAC.