What to ask?

MR.&Mrs · January 2013

I want a natural birth, just kinda scared of a home birth. What do I need to ask my Dr? I know (from here) to ask about c-section rates and pit rates. My first appt and ultrasound are in one week. Also, DH and I are debating whether or not to bring up the fact his oldest brother had CP and his other brother (also older) died of SIDS and he almost died of SIDS. Could these 2 things make me high risk? Sorry if this sounds stupid.

MR.&Mrs · January 2013

rochella:
Yes, I would absolutely bring all of that up with your doctor. But none of that should concern your OB/MW, but rather your baby's pediatrician. It won't affect whether your pregnancy is high risk or not. CP is not hereditary, nor are SIDS (I don't think.)

I have seen studies that go both ways on CP and SIDS. Some researchers say they are hereditary once introduced, some say no, and yet others say they aren't sure. DH said that the CP was caused because the drs in Germany messed up.

pdilly2b · January 2013

Also ask your doctor about epidural rates... would be good to know if s/he knows what a natural birth looks like. I'd also ask about when they induce (red flag if it's at 40 wks or close to that), if they put you on a clock for labor even if water is not broken, if you can do intermittent fetal monitoring instead of continuous, and if you can do a hep lock instead of an IV.

If you don't like the answers, I'd look into switching OB practices or see if there are any midwives that deliver at your hospital that you can use.

If there's a discrepancy in your due date after the ultrasound (last period says one thing and the ultrasound another), I'd try to argue for the latest possible due date. Makes a big difference if/when it comes time to induce.

I'd definitely bring up the CP/SIDS questions with the pediatrician.

Good luck!

MR.&Mrs · January 2013

pdilly2b:
Also ask your doctor about epidural rates... would be good to know if s/he knows what a natural birth looks like. I'd also ask about when they induce (red flag if it's at 40 wks or close to that), if they put you on a clock for labor even if water is not broken, if you can do intermittent fetal monitoring instead of continuous, and if you can do a hep lock instead of an IV.
If you don't like the answers, I'd look into switching OB practices or see if there are any midwives that deliver at your hospital that you can use.
If there's a discrepancy in your due date after the ultrasound (last period says one thing and the ultrasound another), I'd try to argue for the latest possible due date. Makes a big difference if/when it comes time to induce.
I'd definitely bring up the CP/SIDS questions with the pediatrician.
Good luck!

Thank you.

alandals · January 2013

Absolutely ask if your OB is 100% on board with your choice to have a natural birth. If he/she is not or has reservations I would find a new provider who will support your decision. I would ask how far past your due date they'll let you be pregnant before induction and what techniques he/she will use to induce labor. Educate yourself about Cytotec if it is mentioned as a possibility (I would refuse this method). Also, I would ask about your options for fetal monitoring while in labor. Continuous fetal monitoring that requires you to be in bed will definitely be a detriment to the progress of labor and will cause you extreme discomfort. Laboring in bed is the worst! Ask if he/she will allow you to push in whatever position is comfortable for you and not just semi reclined in bed. You could ask about delayed cord clamping/cutting after birth.

I would bring up the issues with YH's brother and himself. I highly doubt that will make you high risk.

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