Question about fetal monitoring and vag exams.

[Think of Winter]

I'm finalizing my birth plan and am still unsure about something. If I decline continuous monitoring and vaginal exams, will there be other clear signs if baby is in trouble and my labor lasts a long time? I'm thinking that if my labor takes longer than a certain time, my OB or the nurses are going to say my baby could be in danger, and w/o cfm, we wouldn't know it.

What do you think?

[veganf]

You can just request only intermittent monitoring with a doppler or fetoscope.

- Krista

[doula and mom]

Well a vaginal exam doesn't tell you anything about the baby, so don't worry about that.

And numerous studies have proven that intermittent fetal monitoring with a doppler or fetoscope (or even 10 minutes every hour on a fetal monitor) is just as effective as continuous fetal monitor, when looking for signs of distress.

However, note (to yourself) how the baby is moving and how you are feeling during your labor. You are a much better judge than medical instruments of how your baby is doing.

[mezzaluna]

if you felt something was wrong, you could always consent to continuous monitoring, right? i agree with the PP though that continuous monitoring in routine labors hasn't been proven to be any more useful than intermittent. have you read the book _thinking woman's guide to a better birth_ by henci goer? i think it's an important read especially if you are planning a hospital birth.

i worked out an intermittent plan - had the EFM manually held against me at intervals rather than getting all strapped in each time. and even still it was one of the most distracting and annoying parts of my labor.

[Think of Winter]

Originally Posted by mezzaluna

have you read the book _thinking woman's guide to a better birth_ by henci goer? i think it's an important read especially if you are planning a hospital birth.

I just reserved this from my library. I've been reading non-stop it seems like, but this specific question hasn't really been addressed. I'm considered "high-risk," birthing at a hospital that uses a lot of routine interventions, and have an OB who's not really knowledgable about natural birth. So I'm trying to prepare myself and make the best of the situation. The reason I included VEs in my question is because I'm expecting that my OB and the hospital has a time limit on labor and I'm going to be hearing that my baby is in danger if I labor for longer than they'd like. I am trying to prepare myself for whatever might come up so that I don't agree to an intervention I don't need out of fear and ignorance, as I did with my first birth. Thanks for your responses. They reaffirmed that I really do not want fetal monitoring.

[crittersmom]

I think they do need at least one monitor reading to dot thier I's.My last birth came in complete and the baby was on her way out and they were still fussing over getting her heartbeat.I was also considered "high risk" but if you ask them to treat you on an as needed basisi rather than what is best for them you may be able to get away with alot.The vaginal exams aren't really helpful either, they are more likely to transfer cooties ( highly technical term I know ) to areas that don't need them.My other two births the internal monitors never worked right and the nurses ended up right next to me trying to move the external ones around and my first baby had the cord around his neck twice and my second's had it all tangled in his hair.Ask for external, intermittent monitoring and very limited vaginal exams, like once when you first check in and if needed when you are ready to push.If you are going pain med free you will be able to tell (and others with experience will too) when you are ready to push and they will be able to pick up a distressed heartbeat just as well from the outside.Good luck!