Unstable Lie - 38+5 - anybody else?
I wonder if anybody else is in the same situation where their baby is in an unstable lie (moving between transverse, oblique and breech), and if so, what is your hospital doing to support you?
For reference, I’ve been booked in for a c-section next week at 39+6. The midwife would like to move it forward but currently can’t as the elective list is full (apparently I’m top of the list to move forward but I don’t know how much weight that holds). However, all advice from every appointment (midwife today, scan last week, pre-op yesterday) is to call an ambulance and blue light to labour if waters break or I feel labour is starting due to the risk of cord prolapse. I’m finding this advice terrifying as it’s my second and my first labour was fast.
I’m just wondering if anybody else is in a similar situation re positioning and the unstable lie changing constantly? If so, are you being kept in hospital for monitoring? Have you been offered a c-section quicker? Same advice about getting an ambulance? Has anybody delivered previously with this? Any advice would be great. I have another scan tomorrow and I don’t know if I should be pushing to stay in hospital at this point rather than risk the journey in. Thank you 😊
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Sorry you’re going through this - it’s pretty stressful! I had unstable lie (transverse/breech) with my first. Section was scheduled for bang on 38 weeks, as obstetrician was clear they didn’t want to operate risk of me going beyond that. It’s not the same as other ‘elective’ sections - there are clear reasons which you seem aware of that mean risk is increased. I wasn’t admitted in advance but I was given similar advice about going straight in at any signs of labour, and I was living just a short drive from two hospitals (in London) when this happened.
I think you’re being entirely reasonable to ask about staying if you’re worried, especially if past birth was fast! I know other women with unstable lie/transverse babies have definitely been admitted, and 39+6 seems VERY late!
I had a flipping baby and was told if it stayed that way past 37 weeks I’d be admitted until I gave birth. They can also put you down as a cat 3 c-section and move your date forward that way so you basically wait for there to be space/ the wards to be empty enough and they slot you in.
I’d really push for more than they’re doing.. especially with a quick first birth x
Thank you both so much for your comments. I will ensure that I speak with a consultant today before leaving and relay my worries with being sent home and waiting another week. Such useful experience so thank you ladies
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