Managed 3rd stage - No option for me

[BekZ]

Hi Ladies,

My last birth resulted in a retained placenta that needed to be manually removed. I started to do some research regarding managed 3rd stage versus natural.

When I went to my mid apt I mentioned the possibility of a natural 3rd stage with delayed cord clamping and I was quickly told not possible for me. Then they went onto explain that I would need to have an iv inserted as soon as I arrive to hospital.

The thought of labouring with one of those things in my hand is horrible. They are so painful. Do I really need to have this done? or can I refuse?

[[M]umma[M]ia]

ofcourse u can refuse. Its your body and your baby. Before u do.. ask them WHY u NEED to have it. Like the pro's and con's. HTH

[Janie]

Bek, I would be asking firstly why you need it, and then if there are any alternatives. Make them explain it to you. It may be that there aren't any alternatives, that it is the safest thing for you - but at least if you understand why you need it, you will feel better about having it.

[SamiH]

Hmmm I thought most hospitals only demanded a canula before birth if you had had a previous PPH - you didnt mention you did, so I will assume you didnt! If so, that could be the reason.

However it might well be their policy that if you have had probs with placenta retention you must have shot after birth.

[Visitor8]

you can refuse managed 3rd stage and will have to sign a waiver. Also you DONT have to have a canula. They do that incase they need to give you something and it makes their lives easier, but in the crossfire it makes labouring worse. I hated the canula I had in my hand but I had an induction.
Tell them to go jump if you like

[bon]

I had this with my last birth - was told beforehand that they wanted me to have a cannula put in when I go into the hospital, as a 'just in case' thing, because I had previous PPH. TBH it didn't bother me - the midwive did a great job putting it in, it hardly hurt and I barely noticed it was there. BUT in the end I didn't need it - no PPH (which I firmly believe now was due to the fact that I was not put on a synto drip - the induction drug increases your chances of PPH).

Anyway, no you don't have to have it put in - but be prepared to be firm about it, because they will most definitely be against the idea, and put it in writing or sign a waiver or whatever so that they have it documented that you refused.