OB says I'm too high risk for homebirth

[lwuertz]

So I had an appointment with my OB today and we broke the news to him that more than just thinking about it (what I told him last time) we definitely want to birth at home with a midwife.

At first his response to this was like the typical OB response you'd expect... "Your baby could die!" etc.

My husband told him we'd done our research and were aware of the risks, but we wanted to know if there was anything specific to my pregnancy issues that made it more risky for me to have a homebirth.

He said that because of the HG and hyperthyroidism that my pregnancy is classified as high risk.

He said the hyperthyroidism could cause the baby to have breathing problems at birth and there could be some side effects from the medicine I'm taking because of the hyperthyroidism.

He said that he's not the typical OB and was trained by midwives and has worked with many over the years and that he'd do everything possible to be the one attending my birth instead of some other random doctor in the practice.

He also said some really dumb stuff too like about homes not being sterile.

My midwife says she'll do some more research on my medications and condition, but that the research she's already done suggests that I'm not high risk. That hyperthyroidism is an on the line kind of thing, but moreso if it is something that you've had your whole life rather than something that developed in the second trimester of pregnancy (my case).

I just feel so confused and frustrated. Anyone out there had hyperthyroidism and a home birth?

[alegna]

I would never believe an OB who said I wasn't a candidate for homebirth. Conflict of interest.

good luck with your research!

-Angela

[Sk8ermaiden]

I'm not a momma yet, and never been pregnant, so take that as you will...

But I would never let anyone but my midwife tell me that I was too high risk for a homebirth.

No matter how un-typical an OB is, he is still an OB, trained in problems, who whether consciously or unconsciously, has a practice to protect.

[*MamaJen*]

Let the research begin.
You should post this in the birth professionals forum and see if any of the midwives there can give you any input.

[ktmama]

I wouldn't let an OB risk me out of a homebirth either....

[_betsy_]

What did you expect him to say? Births in hospitals are how he makes his money, of course he was going to try to keep you any way he could.

Do your research.

[amydidit]

I have severe hypothyroidism and that is NOT a reason to not have a homebirth. You do need your levels checked more often during pregnancy because being pregnant can cause you to need a medication adjustment (or several) but that's it. Keep your thyroid monitored and don't worry about it at all.

With DD1 I had an OB tell me I was high risk and would HAVE to have a c-section (at my first appointment) or my baby would die. Or I would. Well I went on to have a perfectly healthly baby girl at a freestanding birth center. I wouldn't listen for 2 second to what an OB says regarding risking out. Talk to a homebirth midwife. They know a LOT more about normal pregnancy and birth.

[akaisha]

ITA with everything everyone else said.

time for some serious independent research mama, and don't believe what he said until you can verify it for yourself.

[honeybee]

Since his first words were about the GENERAL risk of hb, and nothing about YOU in particular, I think it's obvious he is biased. Also, if he's spouting nonsense about "unsterile" conditions, why would you listen to a word he said? L&D rooms are no longer sterile. They don't require everyone to wear scrubs anymore.

You gave him the opening to tell you why you shouldn't birth at home... of course he's going to come up with some reason why you shouldn't. Because of his own conditioning and brainwashing by the system, he truly believes homebirth is unsafe, and he'll say anything to convince you not to do it. I'm sure he believes what he says, and is probably more motivated by fear than greed, but that doesn't make his fear valid.

[turtlewomyn]

I just met with a homebirth midwife last night and the topic of thyroid came up because I have been concerned in the past about hypothyroidism (so far I have tested in the normal range though). She said she regularily attends women with thyroid issues, and it generally requires more frequent testing and may need some consultations with an endocrinologist.

I think I would be more concerned that your midwife needs to research it, she doesn't have experience with clients with thyroid issues? Is there another homebirth midwife around that does?

[IfMamaAintHappy]

the homebirth midwife attending your birth is the only person who can risk you out of homebirth with them.

[nashvillemidwife]

I've got a client now with hyperthyroidism controlled with PTU. Her endocrinologist said the home birth was fine.

[Fyrestorm]

I think the ACOG statement is that all homebirths are unsafe...your OB is just following the party line.

ITA that your midwife is the only one that can risk you out.

Good luck with your research mama!

[mustangtbn]

If the OB had said "Wow, homebirth is such a great option! I wish more women were having homebirths! Your situation might be a bit tricky, though," that would be one thing. But to say your baby could die at home and homes aren't sterile? Those are arguments that are not based on science - statistically babies are just as likely to die in the hospital and even more likely to pick up infection. This OB, trained by midwives or not, doesn't sound homebirth friendly, and would probably try to talk you out of it regardless.

I'd talk to a midwife and left her decide whether you are too high-risk for homebirth. If you are lucky enough to have a few in your area, I'd talk to as more than one, as they may even have differing opinions! Midwives are very concerned about the best outcomes for their clients, so if it is too high a risk for homebirth they'll definitely tell you. I wouldn't believe it until I heard it from (at least) one of them, though.

[nummies]

Of course he did. Him and his WALLET want you to be afraid of giving birth anywhere else.

Get an opinion from a midwife.

[2+twins]

My initial response just from reading the title of this thread was, "Wow - what a surprise!" Of course he said that! They almost all do! I say do your own research along w/that of your mw and make the call w/o giving his opinion another thought.

[amydidit]

Oh, I forgot to also mention in my post yesterday that yes, I have also had a homebirth and everything went fine. Just continue to have your thyroid monitored and there is nothing to worry about.

[homebirthing]

Another "high risk" mama here (*twins*) having a homebirth. I was also told that homebirth with twins was incredibly stupid, they could die, I could bleed, prolapse...you get the drift. And of course, they will come early!!


Here I am with two head down babies at 39 weeks pregnant. They are doing great and growing (one keeps going breech, which is just fine) and I have avoided the 37 week induction and OB room "delivery". Works for me!

[whalemilk]

There's quite a difference between hypo and hyperthyroid, those who are advising they had a homebirth with hypothyroidism. Just FYI.

I don't know a ton about either one, but from what I do know, I don't know that I would 100% dismiss the doctor's opinion this time. The DEM board in my state classifies "uncontrolled" hyperthyroidism as an absolute bar to homebirth. So I guess it really depends on how well controlled it is. I'm glad your midwife is doing research, OP.

[clutterbug]

I'm sorry you are encountering resistance Have you talked to any midwives yet? They are the ones to make an accurate recommendation on homebirth safety, not an OB.

And what is with the sterile thing? This came up on another MDC thread recently, maybe it's getting some revival in the OB ranks? I do not get it. The only rooms in a hospital that are "sterile" are the operating rooms. People wear their normal clothes in a birthing room at hospital, they walk around in their outdoor shoes, dads and supporters eat snacks and come and go from the bathroom, docs and nurses just wash their hands normally before vaginal checks (as opposed to scrubbing up like for surgery)....I could go on and on but at the end of the day, the point is IT'S NOT STERILE. Maybe ask your doc if they do c-sections in the birthing rooms, since they're all sterile....?

ETA: Whoops, just re-read your post and noted that you already have a supportive midwife. Maybe as reassurance you could post in the Birth Professionals to see what midwives here on MDC do in this situation? Also, the fact that the doc is throwing out every reason in the book for not having a homebirth makes me suspicious of whether your condition is really contraindicated - if it were, he wouldn't have to bring up all the other stuff, right?