Is there a way around labouring on your back...

[3boysnpregnant]

When in labour with my last two children.. Both prems.. I was made have constant monitoring and was not our off the bed not off my back for the entire labour.

My labors where fast but im hoping that if this bubs is prem... Very likely apparently that I can just labour as normal push in whatever position I feel comfy.. All fours etc if I want too..

Is the reason they don't let you because I could harm the baby.?? Or is there an actual reason..?

[3boysnpregnant]

?...:-)

[ilovelucy]

Does your hospy have wireless monitors? because I had to have continuous monitoring with my last i got preference to use one of the wireless sets they had so could still walk around and use the bath etc. Might be worth asking?

[TripleTime]

Sheep would be the best person to ask. I'll find her for you.

I was still attached the CTG & walking around while I was waiting.

[3boysnpregnant]

Ahh good to know...

Because they are almost certain bubs will be prem based on how my cervix is each week... Just how prem we dont know..

And the last two I have literally not been able to move which made my labours hurt like hell

[TripleTime]

How far are you now?

I got the 'they'll be early, just a matter of how early' line, managed to get an extra 10 weeks on when i first went into labour.

[3boysnpregnant]

I got told it at just over 20 weeks and Im now 23.. 24 on Monday!! Cant wait to be at least 24!

[Guest1234]

Could you possibly labour on your side instead of your back, if they won't let you be active?
I agree, Sheep would be the best to ask :yes: she is very knowledgeable.

[Seacretsquirrel]

I was induced and had the regular monitoring and with DD I was on my back but with DS I was on all fours the whole time - I think with the monitor things they move around less so better for keeping tabs on bubs if you are laying still.... but that is my unedumicated thoughts:D

[TripleTime]

I got told it at just over 20 weeks and Im now 23.. 24 on Monday!! Cant wait to be at least 24!

52 hours to go.

[3boysnpregnant]

I am counting down!!

I obviously dont want to birth then but id rather then when they will help then now!

[TripleTime]

I remember laying in hospital at 23+6 weeks watching the clock waiting for it to turn midnight. Middy came in, asked what i was doing & a little shocked when i told her. I fell fast asleep at 5 past midnight.

[3boysnpregnant]

Ill probably be the same!! I thought id be the only person who celebrates getting there...

[Bellaxo]

I had to have constant monitoring throughout labour last week and the only way she'd let me get up a small amount is if i consented to the scalp electrode onto bubba's head - and even then i'd have to have the top monitor on, so really it was more for their convienience - Said no, so was stuck on back, I haven't heard anything about wireless monitoring - if there is that, our hospital (mater in bris) didn't have it as an option

[3boysnpregnant]

Id love to just blatently refuse ubt I dont want to put bubs at risk...

Im gonna pm sheep in a tic..

[TripleTime]

Ill probably be the same!! I thought id be the only person who celebrates getting there...


Nope, i know plenty of prem mum who have a party when they make it to 24 weeks after their first prem or mums to be who chuck a party at 24 weeks after having issues before hand.

[TripleTime]

Id love to just blatently refuse ubt I dont want to put bubs at risk...

Im gonna pm sheep in a tic..


I wanted to do the same, ended up flipping a coin. Sad but it was the only way i could come up with an answer :o

Sheep is a wealth of knowledge she had both her boys naturally.

[Guest1234]

Sheep wont be on til later tonight, I think she goes out on Friday nights, just thought I would let you know :)

[sheep]

In my experience it depends on how bub is coping with the labour, the Dr and midwives on at the time and the hospital you are in.

DS1 30+1wks, PPROM @ 28 weeks. I laboured on my back the entire length of his labour (official records show just over 18 hours.... that's from 4cms dilated) I was strapped to a CTG for the entire time, had to ask permission to pee, was timed having a shower. My bub was not coping very well at all and when they starting discussing a c/s I had an epidural put in. Approx 30mins later he arrived 'naturally' and in severe distress (Apgar of 2 at 1min). Birthing on your back gives them (the drs, ect) the best view of what's going on down there and easier access for an intervention. The CTG is in the best interests of bub, as you are probably already aware, prems don't handle birth as well as their term friends.
However if you don't want to do it that way you in no way have to. They cannot force you to birth a particular or have any of the drugs, ect, ect. Everything is still well within your control if that's what you want.

DS2 was born at 34+3 after going into labour (several times) from 26 weeks. I laboured on my back with him too, but was only on CTG for the beginning of labour and once they were satisfied with how he was coping I was allowed a VERY long shower, walked around, ect. I birthed by sitting on the bed holding my knees to my chest, almost sitting as that was the easiest way, but I did not have to birth that way. It was my choice :)

All the best, at the end of the day it is YOUR birth and you still have a say in what goes on. Ask questions and be assertive :D

[Guest1234]

I admire you so much Sheep :) so very helpful and full of wonderful info :D

[3boysnpregnant]

In my experience it depends on how bub is coping with the labour, the Dr and midwives on at the time and the hospital you are in.

DS1 30+1wks, PPROM @ 28 weeks. I laboured on my back the entire length of his labour (official records show just over 18 hours.... that's from 4cms dilated) I was strapped to a CTG for the entire time, had to ask permission to pee, was timed having a shower. My bub was not coping very well at all and when they starting discussing a c/s I had an epidural put in. Approx 30mins later he arrived 'naturally' and in severe distress (Apgar of 2 at 1min). Birthing on your back gives them (the drs, ect) the best view of what's going on down there and easier access for an intervention. The CTG is in the best interests of bub, as you are probably already aware, prems don't handle birth as well as their term friends.
However if you don't want to do it that way you in no way have to. They cannot force you to birth a particular or have any of the drugs, ect, ect. Everything is still well within your control if that's what you want.

DS2 was born at 34+3 after going into labour (several times) from 26 weeks. I laboured on my back with him too, but was only on CTG for the beginning of labour and once they were satisfied with how he was coping I was allowed a VERY long shower, walked around, ect. I birthed by sitting on the bed holding my knees to my chest, almost sitting as that was the easiest way, but I did not have to birth that way. It was my choice :)

All the best, at the end of the day it is YOUR birth and you still have a say in what goes on. Ask questions and be assertive :D


Thanks alot sheep!

Thats helpful!

I guess Ill just base it on how everything is going at the time...

[sheep]

I forgot to add, with DS1 I was in hospital for 2 weeks prior to his arrival and went through 3 shift changes of midwives and also 2 OB's each had a very similar ideal of how I should be birthing him, which was directly based on the CTG results.

DS2 I only had one shift change of midwives and never even saw an OB. I arrived at the hospital in labour, less than 12 hours before his birth.

Both were born in KEMH Perth.


I admire you so much Sheep :) so very helpful and full of wonderful info :D

Thanks hun, back at ya :)

[sheep]

I think that's the best way to go, go with the flow and how the feeling is in the room. Nothing better than trusting your own instinct.

All the best, fingers crossed for a few more weeks yet.

[7rugrats]

When went into labour at 35 weeks with #5 after prom they insisted on me being monitored...but fortunately I had my homebirth midwife with me and she made sure they got me a wireless monitor so I could move around it was perfect.

My next two prems where emergency c-sections so can't help.

Don't worry you certainly aren't the only one to celebrate 24 weeks...my last to I had my own little party for the two of us when we reached that milestone.
#7 I made it and extra 4 weeks but #7 I only lasted a week.

Well done on nearly 28 weeks. :yelclap:
I hope you get as close to full term as possible.