40 weeks .. what are my rights?

Question

I'm 40 wks and I've been doing my research on post-term pregnancies. Almost every site explained that induction must take place by 42 wks, no longer, to ensure the health of mother and baby. They also explained the need to begin testing, such as ultrasound, to monitor the baby's heart rate for distress and the amniotic fluid level to make sure the baby is receiving plenty of nutrients. Now at this point I'm 4cm, 70% effaced and engaged. I've been in on and off labor over the last few weeks. My Midwife has suggested things like castor oil or blue and black cohosh at 41 wks to try and speed things up. Both methods are unsafe and therefore I will refuse them. She also said the doctor in partner with them will not induce until I'm actually 42 wks. As the patient as well as Mother to this child, I believe 41 wks is enough time to be pregnant, and that my unborn is developed enough to survive. I feel that if I haven't delivered by 41, they should induce. What are my rights if they refuse???

Answer 1

People are a bit too induction-happy these days...

One: 40 weeks isn't late.

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/0,,jb56,00.html

"pregnancy in first-time mothers averaged...forty-one weeks plus one day"

Two: Induction carries its own set of risks. Plenty of them.

See http://www.hencigoer.com/articles/elective_induction/ for a start.

Given 4cm, 70%, etc, why not just let things keep progressing naturally?

But, that's not what you asked. Your rights are, well, to see another practitioner. Their rights are to refuse to do anything unnecessary that puts you and the baby at risk, like induce when you're not actually overdue.

Answer 2

Don't listen to the Midwife without also talking to the doctor. Is this a REAL doctor associated with a REAL Hospital? (As in - not homeopathic, zen or whatever) If so, they will do what is right for the baby. If not, get your a&& to a REAL doctor ASAP! They will not let you go past 2 weeks overdue. The amount of time will depend on the weight of the baby and the results of a stress test. My doctor didn't let me go beyond 4 days overdue, but we also knew the baby would be over 8 lbs. - (he was 9 lbs 5 oz at birth).

You say you've been doing your research... please realize that anything you read is going to be based on estimates and will never take your individual situation into account. That research is just to be used as a guide. Every baby is different and comes in his own time. The doctors watch for problems and try to give the baby the opportunity to come when they are ready. They will induce before it becomes a risk. At this point you should be visiting your doctor at least every week. And calling the office anytime you are uncertain.

Oh, and that week he was due, my doctor suggested sex to get things going! No kidding.

Answer 3

Oh sister. you're in for a protracted one. harm it right down to the smaller milestones. do you know once you have the ultrasound for infant's intercourse? enable that be your concentration. After which will come feeling the infant flow, and having the daddy and others experience circulation some weeks later. that could desire to get you to declare 25 or so weeks alongside. Then that is basically approximately crunch time. you'll be able to desire to get the nursery mutually say by utilising week 33 or so, get the clotes washed and arranged by utilising week 35. At that element initiate relationship your companion back. rather-prepare dinner romantic dinners, choose for walks, reconnect. After infant is born that is rigidity city and having that connection earlier is the main suitable factor. additionally take a little time to examine books, flow to video clips, something and each little thing which you do for you presently will take the backseat. And sleep sleep sleep. 40 weeks gets right here, yet savor the approach additionally. that's one experience sorry approximately I had with my first that i'm no longer able to omit out in this time. savor the approach and bond now rather than rush issues and omit out on the mind-blowing thing approximately being pregnant.

Answer 4

The first thing i would do is dump the midwife and just talk to the doctor for traditional options instead of snake oils. you should already be being monitored daily for the baby and your sake.
Due to doctors being sued I don't believe you can decide, I believe 42-43 weeks is when they will induce and its there choice due to legal reason. WHat Im about to say is no joke: My wife went the max with both children, the night before she went into a natural labor she ate chineese food. Try that..

Answer 5

I am sure that you are tired of being pregnant, but I would like to say...
Don't rush things. I understand that you are anxious and everthing, but what you really need to be doing is sleeping. Once you have your baby you wont be getting any. What's two weeks?
Besides, no calander is that accurate. You may already be in labour. On your next doctors visit, complain. Complain alot. Your back hurts, your head hurts; complain about anything.
I just think that you should just try (i know that's hard) to be patient. Your beautiful gift will be here soon enough.

Answer 6

See another doctor. the longer you go the more chance you have for a very large baby and therefore more likely for a c-section. You definitely have the right to see someone else.

Answer 7

I'm not sure what your rights are but I'll tell you a natural way to speed up things.
Give yourself an enema! They work wonders. I've had three kids and the hospital recommended it the first time. I know it sounds gross but it really works and it is not harmful to the baby.
Good luck!

Answer 8

ur already to 4 dilated yes i think u should be induced also good luck!