trying to research my options..... would love some help

[~Kim~]

Mods had no idea where to put this...please move if appropriate.


Ok so this is probably going to ramble a bit....

My labours with DD and DS certainly didn’t go to plan, but I’m trying to get prepared for my options next time. I have applied for my hospital records to get some clarifications.

I had an emergency caesar with DD after a fail to progress labour (after i was induced and made to labour on my bck on the bed with a posterior baby).

DS I wanted to vbac. My waters broke (or so I thought) – went to hospital they did the swab test – positive – and nothing happened...nada for nearly 24hours. So we went for a section again (there were other emotional issues as well in complication). Now what I’m thinking is that the out of date test was wrong and DS wasn’t quite ready....it was probably just a hind water leak?

Whilst on the table there was a bit of a panic and the word ‘window’ was mentioned. As was thin membrane and hole.

In my followup with the Ob ‘rupture’ was talked about. The midwives talked about it too.
At 6 week checkup the Ob suggested no more babies due to my ‘issues’ (including high BP, AND, hypothyroidism, kidney function dropping) and the rupture.

Thing is, from a bit of research it would suggest that I either had a window or dehiscence of scar rather than a rupture.

But I can’t find anything on the pregnancy management for future pregnancies nor the labour/birth management.

ATM I am in a remote location (only recently relocated). We do have a large tertiary hospital, but options for care are very limited. I want to be as prepared as I can, both for a pregnancy and birth. I’d love a VBAC but am aware of my health at the same time.

I plan to get a referral to an Ob fairly soon to get a second opinion or possible options here, but does anyone have any information or can point me in the general direction? Please?

Thanks in advance

[MrsFabuloso]

Oh babe, I have no advice, but I just wanted to say good luck!! I know how much you'd like to have another bub.

[Kazbah]

You've mentioned hypothyroidism, is this getting treated? I was borderline for some time, and as soon as I got my BFP, my GP put me on meds as they do impact the pregnancy.

However, I think the best option would be to see another OB if you can and get another opinion, and get a list of all risks before making any decisions ...

and I wish you well in your journey.

[jackrose]

I think it is great to get a second opinion. As a matter of fact, if I was you I would get a third and possibly fourth! The more information and knowledge you have the better chance you have of getting a birth that sits well with you as then you know you are doing the right thing rather than feeling led into a birth you will question later.

I would seek out that second Ob and also an experienced independant midwife. Even just to orgainise a consultation on the phone if you have none in your area. That way you have specialist advice from two sources - one a specialist in surgical birth and birth with complications, and one a specialist in normal, natural birth. I had an independant midwife assist at my last birth and her wisdom and professionalism was amazing. Although I birthed at home for my VBAC, she was very realistic about any risks I faced and made it clear we would be in hospital and seeking further care if she deemed it necessary. Thankfully for me my risks were negligable and by the sounds of it you have a few other things to consider when thinking about your VBAC. I do think that an experienced independent midwife will be able to help you work through them.

Also, by all means get a hold of your birth records. Mine were invaluable for me in working through my VBAC preparations.

Must dash as DD is crying.... If I can think of anything else to add I'll be back!

[~Kim~]

Kaz, it wasn't picked up until after 30 weeks last time and hasn't continued post pregnancy, but I will definitely get my levels done asap after a BFP.

Blackrose, that's a great idea about the IM, must see if Kelly knows anyone out here in the desert - I can't locate a soul. We're lucky up here in the Territory though they have a government run homebirth program. Might drop in on the girls and ask their advice.

[~Kim~]

Just bumping this up since it's actually a reality. With updates.
There is no ob here at all. My GP is aware of my issues but doesn't have a lot of info on anything. No-one I have rung locally knows anything about either risks or management so I'm wondering if there are any great sites anyone knows of or reputable people interstate I could ring without being a patient to ask about;

implications for pregnancy after dehiscence/rupture
what I need to do to manage myself
anything I need to make sure my GP puts into place

[Little Chicken]

Have they lost them? That's a shame, there were at least two there when I birthed there. Sorry I can't be any help. The mgp there was good though.

[~Kim~]

Can you remember their names? It's only hearsay from the locals. Thought I'd do a bit of research today and ring mgp tomorrow. Do you know when they take booking in from?

[Little Chicken]

Sorry no. I only met one of them when I went through the clinics. They had ob/gyn registrars there so there has to be someone to train them. The one I saw was a woman who did my tear repair post birth. Granted that was ten months ago though. I would have thought they couldn't be a tertiary referral centre if there wasn't an ob there.

[Little Chicken]

Forgot to say, I did shared care through the GP, so my booking in appointment was with the hospital midwives at 18 weeks, then I saw the clinics again (midwives again) from 35 weeks, then the doctors from term. Maybe get your GP to refer you to the MGP who would then be able to tell you what is going on.

[HotI]

Hi Kim

On facebook, there is a page called Birth without fear. They had an update/discussion today at 7am ish on

Have any mamas gone through a placenta abruption, then gone on to carry another baby? Any experiences or good info on this?

It reminded me of this thread and thought you might be interested in reading the replies.

[~Kim~]

Cheers hun. Will have a look.