Did you have any procedures performed on you without your consent?

[javic]

I had a baby a couple of days ago. It was my first labour so there were many things I had no idea about. When I went to the birth centre in labour the midwife asked to do a vaginal exam and I agreed. As she was doing it I realized it was not just an exam and tried to protest but it was ignored and then too late to do anything about. Later, she told me she had done a membrane sweep. Totally without informing me, let alone receiving my consent! The more I think about it the more violated I feel. I chose to birth in a birth centre so that this kind of thing would not happen! I intend to contact the birth centre and ask if this is accepted procedure and, if not, request a written apology.

I have heard women tell these stories before and I wondered how common it is. So, did you have any procedure performed on you without your knowledge or consent? And, if so, did you do anything about it? Was there any response?

[LimeSlice]

None...in labour.
I was told and/or asked what was going on and why.
I was in an emergency situation, and I was hysterical (literally) but they still asked when they could get an answer, asked DH and told us what needed to happen.

I did however have an unconsented stretch and sweep when I was 40 weeks by an Ob. I asked to have a VE to ascertain how (if at all) dilated and favourable my cervix was as DH had to go back to work (2 weeks away) and we wanted to know if I was close to going into labour.
My rape at 12 was less invasive and painful than the "exam" I received. DH almost punched him but I wouldn't let go of his hand I was in so much pain. They ended up admitting me to the maternity ward for hours afterward as I bled so heavily they were worried about what he had done.
I received no apology from him, but the midwives noted it on my file and I instructed them that if he came anywhere near me again, even if he were the ob on call when I went into labour, I would have him arrested for assault. They took me very seriously.
As luck would have it, when I did front up at the hospital, he was the Ob on call. We told the midwife if he even looked at my chart we would leave, and give birth on the side of the road on the way to King Eddies if necessary, and have no problems telling the media and Health Department why. They called another Ob in (at 8pm) and I never saw the other ob).

I am sorry you feel so violated, there is a difference between a S&S and a VE, and she had no right to perform one when she gained consent for a different procedure. I hope you get your apology, but beyond that you yourself will have to deal with the feelings - the apology won't make them go away and you cannot change what happened, so seek whatever help you need after that to reconcile those feelings (or they will haunt you next pregnancy and labour).
HTH

[onthefly]

I'm sorry that this happened to you Javic It should never happen. Ever.
But unfortunately it does, and it's not all that uncommon in maternity practice - for some reason informed consent is not greatly valued by some practitioners in the field.

My OB performed an episiotomy on me without asking or informing me first. I was aware of it, and accepted it atthe time as I had a forceps delivery adn believed it was required in that context. However, in hindsight I realise there really was no excuse for not at least informing me first (and really I should have had the option to refuse). I've heard of women not even knowing they'd been cut till their doctors stitched them up afterwards, or they dsicovered stitches later on!

[CinderToriella]

So sorry this happened to you, it's just not right they had no right to do this without asking you first

When i was in hossy for my labour , the OB who was assisting my MW for a quick check said she was just checking bubs and doing a VE and what do you know she broke my waters , without telling me asking me anything i was so angry well more so angry now but at the time of course i could not think straight
She then went to put in one of those monitors that connect to bubs head without asking me or telling me once i was like umm no get away from me with that

[Cassius2]

i was given pethidine without consent and was held down mid contraction. it was not pleasant and resulted in PTSD. just awful stuff.

[HotI]

I had a number of procedures done without consent and it is so violating. I am so sorry you have experienced it.

I chose to follow up with the hospital, and received a verbal and written apology but while i am glad i did it it didn't really make me feel any better about the situation. I do think it is important that we speak up, and say that these things are not acceptable.

take care

[javic]

Thanks for your replies everyone. It is horrid to read of the things that were done to us without us even being informed beforehand. It's such a breach of trust. I do not know how I will go into the hospital system again without being fearful and extremely defensive. My husband will be on close watch next time...

Limeslice, your experience sounds so awful. I'm so sorry for that. I wish these practitioners had to justify their actions or else face some consequences, but seems they get away with it.

I wrote my complaint to the patient representative for the hospital. I said that I thought the midwife in question should be terminated for such a violation/abuse. But I doubt that will happen.

I do feel much more at peace with it all, after processing it and making my complaint. I did have a great midwife and a great experience in the last few hours of the birth so I think that helps.

I just wish this sort of thing would not happen, but I doubt it will change. I've heard people writing to the health minister, the hospital and everyone in between, and still this happens. It's insane... No wonder people get private midwives and homebirth. I understand now...

[Tegam]

no sorry i havent ever had this happen to me. I have birthed in hospitals twice and home once. I am so sorry you are upset and hope they can get to the bottom of it!