Using a midwife with history of complicated births?

[fujbeck]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum. Just took a pregnancy test today and it was positive. I am interested in working with a midwife for this pregnancy (it is my 3rd), and possibly doing a homebirth or birth center birth. My question is, is this something I can consider with my situation? My first two pregnancies were somewhat complicated. My first was fine until 28 weeks when I had some bleeding and early contractions. I ended up on bedrest for 6 weeks but had an uneventful hospital birth at 38.5 weeks. My 2nd had growth problems from the start, and I was on some form of bedrest for most of the pregnancy and worked closely with a perinatologist in addition to my OB, although also had an uneventful hospital birth (without meds!) at 40 weeks. She was a little short (18") but otherwise was a good weight and was healthy.

Sooo... like I said I'm just wondering if with my history I could work with a midwife or not. Over the past few years I have developed more of a natural bent and would really like to go more in that direction. Opinions??


Joy

[Lady Lilya]

My friend had 2 pregnancies with early labor and a need for bedrest. She is now expecting her third in October, and planning a homebirth, but she said she will go on bedrest at a certain point due to her history.

[Baby~Braatens~Mama]

Hi Joy!

Welcome!

I am not sure how it will work out for you, but definitely look into it! Meet with a couple midwifes in your area and go from there. How exciting! Congratulations on your newest LO and I bet I'll see ya around.

[Just1More]

Those don't sound like severe complications to me. Things to keep an eye on, sure, but not something to rule out homebirth. And, those were things about your pregnancy. Not things that affect birth.

If something funny goes on during pg, then you switch to an ob.

[babygrey]

congrats!
Without knowing more specifics, it is hard to say whether those are complications that would repeat themselves- it doesn't necessarily sound like it, but, again, hard to tell from the brief description.

Here's what I'd do- find recommends of some good midwives. Get your medical records and set up a consultation w/ the midwife. They will be able to tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for midwifery care.

Also- there are many CNMs that can work with 'complicated' pregnancies, if that is a route you are interested in. Many times, they will work in conjunction w/ perinatology, just like an OB would do.

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I had some advice from a hospital CNM when I was pregnant with DC#1, which was to start with a homebirth MW if that was what I was interested in. IMO, it is easier to decide you'd like to switch to a hospital MW or OB than the other way around.

[turnquia]

I have a history or complicated pregnancies... easy peasy births.

DD1: Pre term contractions, slight bedrest and some mild meds Deliery 39w4d
DS1: PTL at 29 weeks, lots of strict bedrest and lots of meds. Delivery 39w6d
DS2 & DD2: Yuppers twins with a PTL history. I was off work at 20 weeks, lots of rest, more recently that rest is transitioning into a mild bedrest, due to contractions. Taking meds prophylactically.

I am planning a homebirth with the twins, however I am seeing an OB who has high risk experience. I am having every 2-3 week cervical length checks, meds prophylactically due to just irritable uterus, and we will be more aggressive if the need arises, but we are hoping increasing rest, some diet changes, meds, and keeping a close eye on everything will prevent any aggressive treatments.

So... you could do dual care with an OB until full term then drop OB once full term and whatever issues (if you even have any this time) are better.

Good luck!