What Would You Do???

[Crystalwings]

Ok I have quite nasty vulva varicose veins which are becomming more and more painful. I met with a midwife last week who said i needed to show my doc next appointment and he would make a decision in regards to what i should do with work and labour etc. She said that it depends on the length of the pushing stage as to whether they cause problems with the birth and even then i will have to be packed in ice.
My first bub was 8lb15 and i had over 2 hrs of pushing even after synto. I had a 50hr labour all up but 12hrs from when i had the synto so it didn't reduce the length of the pushing stage. I then had a 4th degree episiotomy and a rotational forceps delivery followed by a 1.8lt blood loss froma tired uterus.
I'm freaking out now and not sure what i should do. I have a strict no drugs birth plan but am now thinking that maybe i should concider an epidural. Things are already so uncomfortable down there, i'm already scared after a very traumatic first birth. But then i keep going back to wanting a drug free natural birth.
I know i shouldn't stress until i see the doctor but it's playing on my mind so much.

So what would you do in my circumstances. Would you
a) remain positive about a reduced length of pushing stage
b)have an epidural
c) the worst option for me- concider a c-section

If you have any advice or experience in this i would love some feedback.
TIA

[Maruschke]

Hi, what a bother! I hope you get some relief from the pain .

In my opinion, I would have a big chat to your support person... rather than set out before the birth "this is what has to happen" I would talk about your desires in order of priority... and then make a decision as labour progresses. Unfortunately we can't order labour according to our plans (or like you, I wouldn't have had a 50+ hour labour!).

Just set out what is important to you, in order or priority, and try and achieve as many of them as are possible in your labour.

FX for you, I hope it all goes well. How far pregnant are you now?

[Crystalwings]

Thanks, thats a really good idea. atm i'm 27+3wks.
I might also add that last pg i gained 22kgs. I lost it all bar 5kgs a few days later when i weighed myself so carry big babies and lots of fluid which doesn't help these wretched veins.

[Maruschke]

Thanks, thats a really good idea. atm i'm 27+3wks.
I might also add that last pg i gained 22kgs. I lost it all bar 5kgs a few days later when i weighed myself so carry big babies and lots of fluid which doesn't help these wretched veins.

Welcome to the third trimester then! Who is your birth support person?

[Crystalwings]

Dh and my mum

[onthefly]

With regards to your pushing stage, I think it would probably make sense to try and stay upright and in "good" open positions to hopefully minimise the time it takes. Having an epidural would put you on your back and could make your pushing less effective, for eg.
I think it is likely to be shorter 2nd time round - I certainly hope so
Talking with your caregiver and support people is a good way to start - work through some ideas for positions/movements together that can help get your baby into a good position and hopefully help them move down and out more quickly.

[Crystalwings]

thanks for replies.
i went to the docs yesterday and am feeling much more positive. he basically said that the veins hardly ever cause problems with delivery and that there were so many factors which contributed to my first birth being traumatic that we wont know more about until later in th pg.
so now i just need to get myself back in the mindset of yes i can do this! it will be different.
i also have to rest more so need to start getting more organised now, especially with xmas.

[trishalishous]

I'm in a similar position, after a traumatic and complicated first labour, any future pregnancies will be 'high risk'
I personally am fighting against it, and planning to birth naturally, by either going to hospital very late (too late for epidural/c-sec) or travelling 5 hrs to the city to birth up there (as they will let me go natural again)
I hope you get the birth you want, and I agree with staying active during labour.
I was also told that my general level of fitness (i was at the gym until the day I was put on bedrest) prevented more problems, so ill be trying to watch my health next time too.
good luck!

[Tegam]

thanks for replies.
i went to the docs yesterday and am feeling much more positive. he basically said that the veins hardly ever cause problems with delivery and that there were so many factors which contributed to my first birth being traumatic that we wont know more about until later in th pg.
so now i just need to get myself back in the mindset of yes i can do this! it will be different.
i also have to rest more so need to start getting more organised now, especially with xmas.

Sounds like you have one good Dr there! I like it. Rest more, decide later! Hugs for having such a horrid time the first time around!