Is it going to feel any different? My midwife says yes, as the pool is much bigger and more supportive.

Do you think it's risky to invest in a pool if I didn't like the bath in previous labour?

Swimming has been really relaxing this time, and the pool really appeals.

Message withdrawn

i loved being able to move around in the pool and it was much deeper than a bath so gave a lot of support (well as much support as water can give). don't think i'd like the bath though no room to do much i imagine.

I laboured in a pool, the relief when I got in was immense.

FWIW - the idea of being in a bath during labour turns me cold, I imagine it to be restrictive and claustrophobic.

I second that. The pool is bigger and has firm sides that you can easily access and clamp down on! I would liken it to being on dry land but less sweaty and with invisible hands supporting your bump and caressing your back.

oh and a reassuring feeling of being clothes even when you're not.

I wish I had realised this, after getting in the bath during labour and thinking why is this the advice.....it's crap!!! I didn't really pursue the idea of the pool even though it was in in my birth plan, so cos mw didn't even look t birth plan. Thanks for asking the question, I'll know for next time!

very very different

Hated the bath, loved the pool - go for it!

only went in the bath to let my waters go . gutted to find I didn't like the pool though. wanted to love it but was out in 10mins.

There is no comparison at all between the bath and the pool. The bath is the worst possible place to be when you're having a strong contraction - a bit of a living hell actually. The pool is great - you're free to move, you can float and let the water envelop you. It's still agony of course, but a bit more bearable.

I loved the freedom of movement in labour in a pool, being able to twist and turn in the water to relieve the discomfort and feeling weightless was brillant

DD1's labour - got in the bath and went to lie back and shot up again - vile - hated it, needed to be on dry land.

DD2's labour - did most of it in bedroom then got in bath and relief was huge. Dp poured water over bump in contractions - was same as using a tens machine in that it was useless but distracted me. Needed to push so got out of bath and onto hands and knees back in bedroom.

DD3 - bought a pool and couldn't get in it quick enough. Stayed in and it was amazing. Was SUCH a lovely birth.

Can vouch that a pool and a bath do not compare. Yes getting in bath helped pains with DD2 but getting into a huge lovley pool was bliss.