transfer of care late in the game?

[txmommy83]

Hi all, I am 40w4d pregnant now and my original plan was to give birth in a birth center. Because of their malpractice insurance they cannot perform births there past 42 weeks, and it is standard procedure to transfer my care to an OB in a hospital. BUT...what if baby and placenta are doing fine at 42 weeks? Do you think they will still want to induce in a hospital? I'm thinking they will all but force me, and I am not too happy about that. Of course I want the safety of baby to come first, but I also think that a lot of Dr's will claim that it's too risky to wait longer, etc..but with no facts to back that statement up. SO my question is, is it possible for me to transfer to a homebirth midwife this late in the game? Is that very common at all and something that midwives would do, or do they prefer to be with the patient for most of the pregnancy? I am hoping that I won't have to make a decision like this, but if I do I'd rather be prepared and geared with enough info to make a sound choice and not jsut do the easy thing and get induced.

[dogmom327]

How about a home birth or UC? My home birth MW can't attend after 43 weeks so at least you'd have a bit more time.

[Greenmama2AJ]

Look, they might want to induce you but they can't force you.
When you see your OB discuss the pro's and con's. If your willing to sign waivers and wait it out at home then there is not much they can do. Someone will treat you when you go into labour regardless. Labour at home as long as possible and then go in.

You're not going to go to 42 weeks anyway, I bet you have your baby at 41 weeks or so (that's the average for 1st babies). Your birth center plan will be fine. Good luck with it all!

[Beccadoula]

I would go ahead and contact as many as you can find and explain the situation...you may be able to find someone who will take you as their client this late since you've been cared for and aren't just now getting around to thinking of birth issues. ASK...it can't hurt.

[morning glory]

I agree with the other posters...

I would look around for other options just to put my mind at ease. Hopefully knowing that you have options (and there is always SOME option or another!) might be enough to put your mind at ease so the stress of all this doesn't prevent labour.

But I also agree that its very likely you will go into labour on your own before the 42 week mark and then you will hopefully not have to use any of those options you discovered.

When do you suppose that care providers will learn putting women on a deadline doesn't work? Its like pointing a gun at our feet and yelling "DANCE"!!