Question about German Law regarding going past due

[Marijke Rose]

Basically, Rofu (my husband since Feb 20th, 2006) and I took a tour of the hospital in Wuppertal, where I believe I will be giving birth. (I've pretty much chosen that place.) However, the lady giving the tour mentioned that if I go up to 10 days past my due date, I must come in for a checkup where they will test the placenta with Oxytocin (I really don't understand this) to see if it can support a vaginal birth or not (if it can, they will do an induction rather than just wait longer). Supposedly, there is a law about this, making it mandatory. I don't really understand and cannot seem to find any information in English on it.

Does anyone have any advice or links about this? Because I am completely confused.

Just for information: I'm hoping for a completely natural, drug-free childbirth (I made sure the hospital supported this, which they do IF everything goes well.. their explanations of when they intervene medically seemed fair to me and my husband).. I am really nervous about being induced (I have read that oxytocin inductions cause very painful contractions that make it difficult NOT to take drugs.). I'm also really afraid of having a c-section (and have been paranoid about the likelihood of being forced to have one for the last 10 weeks since a gyno mentioned it in regards to my, at the time, breech baby).


Just wanted to say thanks in advance for any responses!

[Vicitoria]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! I was thinking about you and I'm glad it all worked out with the wedding!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about Germany law on this matter but I do know the birth center I delivered in in the states would only let you go 14 days past your due date before you had to be induced. They would do everything to get you to induce without drugs but if it didn't happen you were transferred into a OB's care in the hospital. After the due date it is normal to check the level of fluid in the plecenta to make sure there is enough to continue naturally and support the baby. Those things just make good sense.

I was lucky, I did deliver in the birth center without drugs but some of my friends did have to be induced. I decided if I had to go that route I would go with the drugs too. My one friend was induced and gave birth in record time so it can be done. It's really hard when you have a plan as to how you want your birth to go and it doesn't work out that way. In the end keep in mind that it's only one day that you will get through it and there will be an incredible amount of joy in the end and hopefully throughout. Trust what is the best for your health and the health of the baby will happen. It sounds like the planets are lining up in your favor so far so let's pray they keep on keeping on.

I send you happy thoughts of peace, love and great joy. You are in for the most incredible experience of your life! That little soul already has already planned it's grand entrance and angels will surround the whole thing.

post to let us know all is well!

Vic:-)

[Hollycrand]

???????? I am no expert on this whole thing, but I have never heard of this 'law'. Perhaps it's their pratice at the hospital? I know that here in Baden-Wurrtemburg women are discouraged from being induced before 14 days after due date (much to the dismay of many women), unless it is absolutely necessary for medical reasons.
I would seriously consider consulting a gyn or a free lancing ('Freiberuflich) midwife on this. It is not a joking matter. Sometimes laws differ from state to state, but you need a second opinion - maybe this nurse was just giving you info on what they 'usually' do.

Here are some links I found from googling. Ask if someone speaks English (you'll probably find someone who does). You might also be able to find someone who'll be able to take care of you during your 'Wochenbett' (midwife who comes every day for 10 days to make sure all your questions are answered about your health or babys's health, plus making sure your baby is taking well to the breast). The sites are in German, I couldn't find anything in English. But CALL at least: many midwives speak at least enough English to make themselves understood.

http://www.hebammensuche.de/suche/hebhome/hebhome4.shtml
(On this site scroll down to Wuppertal - your best bet will probably be contacting the 'Hebammenpraxis Wuppertal'. They'll definitely have someone who can help you in English)

http://www.hebamme-wuppertal.de/

I hope this helps!

[huggerwocky]

You must have misunderstood, it might be their hospital policy ( which also isn't binding to you, they can't refuse you care if you waive it) but it is NOT a law.

[Marijke Rose]

Thank you for the replies, and I am sorry I didn't reply sooner, I did read them but I have been busy.

Anyway, my husband must have understood the nurse or I must have misunderstood him then, if it's not actually German law. But, it didn't end up being a concern and I will post a much-needed update thread in a moment. ^.^