Monitoring during labour

[K8Star]

At 35 weeks I had bleeding however an ultra sound and monitoring of the baby was all ok.however now the doctor had said I need continual monitoring during labour now as precaution. I am very hesitant about this as I will be quite restricted in positions and movement during labor which are important to me as I would like a natural birth. Has anyone else experienced this and have any tips to help? Would monitoring via a doppler and midwife checks on a more regular basis be just as good? I do not want to put bubs at harm but from what I have read continual monitoring equals more painful labor and increased chance of c sections.

[ChristineMP]

I delivered in a hospital with telemetry (wireless) monitoring so was able to move freely. Eventually we had to switch to a internal monitor with my baby daughter because the external monitor was not working well.

I'm not a fan of intermittent monitoring...too easy to miss a change in baby condition...especially as the labor advances. My feeling is that while I wanted/preferred a certain kind of delivery...the most important thing was a healthy baby.

[buggie216]

I had to have the monitors on me during delivery...is this not standard?? it wasnt that big of a deal...only when i was on the birthing ball did they have trouble hearing the heartbeat...i wouldnt worry about it...i went completely natural... :)

[stacey10]

you could ask that after a certain amount of time if the monitoring shows that baby is doing fine that it be changed to a doppler, thst way, if everything is looking ok you get to have the birth that you want :)

[trying43]

Once they put a monitor on u r pretty restricted in movements.  But the monitor gives the best idea on how baby is doing during labor so with there already being an issue it might be a good idea.  Would it not be an ideal birth experience? No but whats important is the end result a healthy little baby. Better safe than sorry.  U could use a Doppler but you may or may not catch the dips in heartrate if there is a problem.  Good  luck to u.