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Childbirth

Isn't 36 weeks a bit late for a birth plan? Or is that normal?

6 replies

Tory79 · 15/07/2014 12:17

last thread

I've posted before about being really disappointed with the consultant I saw at 16 weeks, to discuss options as ds was born by section. But I kind of thought fine, I'll just discuss it with the midwife at my next appointment. Well, that was this morning and to be honest it felt like just as much of a brush off. I told her how I felt about the consultants attitude, and that basically we discussed nothing and he just said he'd see me again at 36 weeks. I told her I was concerned about not having had any discussion about the implications of a vbac, mainly what happens if you go overdue, what the general policies were in this area etc and she also brushed me off and said that's what would get discussed at the 36 week appointment. Seeing as ds arrived at 36 weeks I can't help but feel this is a little late! I do realise there is no reason for dc2 to arrive that early, but seeing as that is my only experience I find it really hard to imagine baby not arriving until my due date or later.

Any advice?

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Iquitelikeapples · 15/07/2014 16:10

I work for the NHS & it drives me insane when policy is put ahead of common sense. If policy is to discuss at 36 weeks that makes sense for most people as they've still got a month to go, but for someone who's previously delivered at 36weeks it's stupid. I'd be ringing the supervisor of midwives & explaining your concerns. I wonder if it's because plans may change as your pregnancy progresses so, to their mind, there's no point in making a plan now? I'd be asking to make a plan now but be willing to review it at 30-something weeks to finalise. Having had a previous difficult pregnancy I'm sure you appreciate even the best laid plans change! From your previous post it sounded more like it's general policy you wanted to know about, I don't see why they can't talk to you about that now.

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Iquitelikeapples · 15/07/2014 16:12

Ps. Did you go into labour at 36weeks? If not I guess they're expecting you to get to 40ish so think 36 weeks is early enough to plan.

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Tory79 · 15/07/2014 16:47

No, ds was born by elcs, I wasn't allowed to go in to labour.

I guess it varies in different areas, but my friend who's first dc was born by cs had a great appointment with her consultant, they discussed all the possibilities and came up with an initial birth plan when she first saw them at 16 weeks, he talked her right through everything and they updated and revised it at her follow up appointment. And then my consultant just said right, you can go for a natural delivery, we'll see you at 36 weeks and if you've changed your mind we can book a cs. That was literally it. I feel like I know nothing. And I thought at least the midwife would be prepared to talk me through things but no Sad

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Iquitelikeapples · 15/07/2014 18:47

At least it sounds like you're going to get a choice re VBAC or ELCS. I've read a lot of threads on here about people having to fight one way or another.
I had a crash section & I don't know what I'd want to do as & when the time comes for no 2, but I'd definitely want to have all the options early on & trust in my midwife.
Contact supervisor of midwives for a chat? You could requests a different consultant to oversee your care if that would make you feel happier.

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Alb1 · 15/07/2014 19:32

My midwife has told me that birth plans are done at the 36 week appointment so I think it is normal, but for me it's my first child and there's no reason to think id be early, in your case you'd think they'd have some common sense and discuss it with you sooner, I agree with previous posters about maybe phoning the supervisor and having a chat about it

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ilovemonstersInc · 17/07/2014 08:53

Ive just done my birth plan with consultant at 33weeks.
After going into stop start premature labour over the last 2 weeks.

Would have been done earlier but notes weren't ready.

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