I would like to know the patients' rights as a pregnant woman in labor. This is my first pregnancy. I do not want an episiotomy (I have been cut down there in the past for a different reason and it only had 4 stitches and it still hurt 1 year later). I also absolutely do not want forceps or a vacuum used on my child's head to ease delivery. I want to refuse all these treatments. I really want a cesaerean section. (I also have an iguinal hernia that I am worried about). I know it is more risky but I'd rather face those risks than these treatments. I want to know what would happen it I refused any of these treatments during labor and they were used anyway (against my will) for the sake of the baby. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
2007-03-13 08:59:23 · 18 answers · asked by csmithrn 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
While you absolutely have the right to refuse any treatment UNLESS a court order is obtained to override your will some doctors cut first ask second.
ANY medical treatment without consent is assault under the laws of most countries but it is very hard to prosecute.
Your BEST bet is to be sure to find a really good doctor on the same page as you. However I honestly think that a choice c-section is not a good choice and I would caution you that you really need to understand the risks to you and the baby.
One risk a doctor likely will not mention is that babies born via c-section have three times the risk of dying during the first month for reasons doctors do not really understand:
http://www.prematureoptimism.com/blog/?p=38
2007-03-13 09:07:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only way they will use the forceps or vac is for sake of you and your baby...if your baby is too large to pass through or is stuck then they have to use this or it can lead to fetal distress.drop in heartrate and oxygen and u dont wanna take those chances...they dont use them that often and chances are u wont need them done...the episiotomy is much better then u tearing on your own..if u tear u are going to need more stitches and more healing time,,sometimes when u tear on your own u may tear in an odd way that will cause your skin to grow back in an unliking way...during delivery they will only cut u if it is neccessary and if the baby is large usually. either way u will probably get cut down there either on your own or by your doctor...i had to be cut with both my deliveries and it went very well..i felt completely better in 6 weeks with first and 8 weeks with second...it is your choice for the episiotomy but i dont think theres really a choice for the forceps or vacuum,they are only protecting your baby,not cauing harm...good luck!!
2007-03-13 09:31:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should speak to your midwife or OB, of whoever you plan on having deliver the baby...
I completely udnerstand not wanting the episiotomy, but if it was life or death for both you and baby why would you refuse forceps or vaccum?
I think that in the end it wil come down to whats happening during your delivery... you'l realize that you just want the baby out regardless of the means...
But essentially it's up to you to ask your Dr. No one here can answer this question but them...
2007-03-13 09:06:51 · answer #3 · answered by adjsas 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You need to talk to your doctor. He or she can help you devise a birthing plan and you can type it up in case your doctor is not on call when you go into labor. Then when you get to the hospital ask the nurse or doctor if they would like to see your birthing plan (they will most likely say yes), don't shove it in someones face.
If you want to have a c-section then I believe you can schedule those. However, don't you want to experience giving birth? You can get an epidural so it won't be very painful once you get it.
As far as an episiotemy goes, you don't have to get it but you might tear and sometimes that can be more painful and they'll still have to stitch you up.
I don't believe that the use of forceps or a vacuum up to you. The doctor's and nurses are going to do what's best for you and your baby. They are the experts. I think these are all questions you need to discuss with your obstetrician.
2007-03-13 09:10:26 · answer #4 · answered by sweetsar99 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I just took my final in medical ethics yesterday. The patients bill of rights allows any patient to refuse treatment of any kind. The doctor's responsibility is explain to you what is wrong, why you need the treatment, what the treatment is and what will happen if you don't get the treatment
The episiotomy is to help get the baby out. If it is lodged it will suffocate. You can't just decide oh I'm gonna have a casarean. It doesn't work tht way. Especially if your insurance won't cover it. It all comes down to money in those cases. My advice to you is wait go into labor naturally and follow the advice of your doctor. The main concern is the safety and health of your baby and you shouldn't lose sight of that.
2007-03-13 09:07:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
You should really discuss all this with your doctor ahead of time, he/she should help to ensure your wishes are carried out. If they do an episiotomy/forceps anyway against your will you can sue them but will probably lose unless there is clear harm to you or the baby.
2007-03-13 09:29:38 · answer #6 · answered by growing inside 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to refuse anything, but I would make all of this clear ahead of time. Talk with your OB/GYN about your expectations, and what you consent to as far as complications. Make sure it is put into your chart so that if your OB is not on call, and another one is there that your wishes are carried out. If it isn't in your chart, they don't have to comply if your life or baby's life is at risk.
2007-03-13 09:07:13 · answer #7 · answered by Joy H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can refuse an episiotomy but you are running the risk of tearing which is worse than getting the episiotomy.
And if your baby gets stuck in the birth canal they have to use forceps or an evac. There is a huge risk if the baby stays in the canal for too long.
2007-03-13 09:04:53 · answer #8 · answered by hollilynn 5 · 2⤊ 4⤋
With all your concerns and objections, you may want to talk to your doctor about an elective c-section. They aren't a walk in the park by the way. You thought your 4 stitches hurting for a year was bad? Some peoples incision sites bother them for much longer. Best of luck to you.
2007-03-13 09:07:39 · answer #9 · answered by duckygrl21 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Using forceps helps the doc get the baby out easy and faster. But if i dont want any of these things well you do have the right to say no. I had a episiotomy my doctor asked me she said it was totally up to me. Good luck!
2007-03-13 09:04:48 · answer #10 · answered by [[<3]] 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋