Using the pool for labour but not for the actual birth?

[NoTeaForMe]

Hi,

I think I'd like to try the pool for this baby (second, first was induced and due to some health things!) but I don't like the thought of actually having the baby in the water. I am fully aware that this may change when the time comes!

Anyway, I wondered what other people thought of labouring in the water but not giving birth? We're you irritated by being all wet? We're you uncomfortable? Did you feel like I do but the decide to stay in the water? Etc etc!

It's very early days here but didn't have much choice over where I could give birth last time so am already thinking things through this time!

Last time I liked using the bouncy ball at the beginning and my TENs machine, obviousy both those are out if I get in the pool! I wasn't keen on gas and air. These things put me off being in the water.

All advice/experience welcome! Thanks in advance!

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Labouring in the water was fantastic. The water supports you all over so you are a lot more comfortable, and it is easier to move around. It also gives you a weird feeling of privacy.

I planned to give birth in the water and did, it seemed like the natural thing to do. There is no way in hell I could have got out of the pool during labour, and I would have beaten off any MW who tried to make me.

[SarryB]

I really enjoyed labouring in the pool - I ended up naked though, as I didn't have time to buy a bikini top, so just wore my bra. Once that got wet it was really annoying and came off after about 3 minutes!

I used gas and air in the pool, and would have liked to have stayed in for the birth, but had to get out as I needed drugs. The pool was an inflatable one, which I did find a little hard to get in and out of when I needed to pee (I'm only 5 foot tall), so the midwife got me a little stool. Also, it only really worked for me when my belly was completely submerged.

[FunnyBird]

I laboured in the pool with my first. I had to get out after two hours, I think, to be examined. I found it very relaxing and soothing, but while I was out they started to worry about the baby's heartbeat and moved me to the labour ward for delivery. Being wet didn't bother me. Just put a big loose tshirt on.
Second baby I mostly laboured out of the pool, and got in just before transition. Felt very soothing again, warm water and weight support. Baby born 30 mins later in the pool.

[dizzy77]

I laboured in water and then got out for the birth: enjoyed the warmth/float unless support but found the pool hard on my knees and it started to cool - we could have topped it up but by then I wanted to be somewhere soft. I would say the logistics of getting out of the pool and crossing the corridor back to the original delivery room whilst post-transition, starkers and dripping wet were somewhat challenging but I honestly didn't care once I was dry on a bed, pushing. Early days of pg with DC2 now, I'd like to try water again this time and see if I can stay in to deliver - I am much less obsessed with the on-your-knees NCT approved delivery position after hooding myself up on stirrups to finally push DS out 18 months ago.

[mayhew]

In our unit we have birthing couches in the pool rooms so that there is an option to get out. Sometimes women get out in second stage because they want to feel gravity more for pushing. Some get out for the loo and don't get round to getting back in. Some just feel too hot and damp and want a change?.

[sarahbanshee]

I laboured in the pool but had to get out to deliver because there was meconium in the waters - I protested but was told it was get out or be transferred to the labour ward (I was in lovely birth centre after horrid previous experience in labour ward) and I wasn't risking that so I managed it somehow!

I would have preferred to stay in but the process of transferring was ok considering. The midwives supported me to shuffle to the bed, I just flopped down onto a beanbag on the bed as I was, wet and naked apart from my bra, and I think (a bit hazy!) they got my wet bra off me and dried me off gently between contractions. It was lovely and warm and I didn't feel cold. Once she was out - only about 10 minutes later - they wrapped me in blankets and then later I got into pyjamas.

[StiffyByng]

I laboured in the pool and loved it. I had to get out to deliver because the midwives wanted me in various positions not easily achieved in there (the gas and air leaves me hazy but apparently I put up a fight!) but it was fine. I gave birth squatting in the end, and can't remember feeling wet or cold after getting out. Oh, and I just weed in the water.

[NoTeaForMe]

I hadn't even thought about the going to the loo bit! I got dehydrated last time so was on a drip and then had to have an epidural so had a catheter. Once things got going I didn't actually go to the loo!

Hmm...I still like the thought of being in the water it's the getting out or out and in that puts me off!

[NoTeaForMe]

Thanks for the replies so far by the way!

[Kneedeepinshittynappies]

I laboured in water and came out for birth of dd. not on purpose as had hoped to have her in the water but wanted more drugs! You can use ball and tens for start anyway as they don't recommend you get in pool till well into established labour as can slow things down. Also depending on your hospital if you tell them you don't want to deliver in the water they'll just pop you in the bath so worth telling them you're considering it even if not sure to make sure you get the proper pool. I loved the pool although got very hot so would recommend having a fan, feel of water cooling on my skin was lovely actually.

[NoTeaForMe]

Thanks kneedeep that's a great tip about getting the pool and not a bath!

[InherentlyCantankerous]

I gave birth in the water, my midwife only examined me once and I didn't leave the pool for it. God himself wouldn't have been able to move me from that pool!

It was a really good experience and the best birth out of 3.

[howimetyourbrother]

Never thought I would give birth in the pool but was free when I arrived and I thought it would be good to try before going on to the hard stuff!
2hrs later and it had relaxed me so much I had gone from 4-5cm to fully dilated and didn't see any need to move and about 15mins later DS was born! Wore a bikini top as need support. Cuddles in lovely warm pool then out onto couch in same room with lots of towels. Don't remember being cold. The best bit was definitely being able to lie back and properly relax between contractions. Would def use again.

[EggsMichelle]

I plan to labour either in the pool or bath (my hospital only has one of each) I find getting in the bath fantastic now with general pregnancy pains, so optimistic water will help with labour. And fingers crossed I can stay at home as long as possible and use my own bath to start with. As for birth itself, I plan to get out and have gravity give me an extra helping hand.

[Katienana]

I labored in the water. I wanted to give birth in there too but his head kept slipping back so I needed to try some different positions. Loved being in the pool, as soon as I got in the water soothed me. Floating seemed to take all the pressure off. Didn't bother with a bikini, I didn't want anything touching me. Just as well, it has got me used to showing my perineum to all and sundry...

[blushingmare]

I got in the pool at 7cm - that was the most challenging bit - dashing down the corridor half naked whilst majorly in labour and hoping to make it to the gas and air before the next contraction (I did!!). I was worried about taking the TENS off too, but it was absolutely wonderful when I was in - I didn't care at all! I'd hoped to deliver in water, but when it came to pushing I lost my contractions so got out and pushed on a birthing stool in the same room. I don't remember it being particularly awful getting out - the midwives gave me lots of help. And I definitely wasn't bothered about being wet. I don't think I went to the loo once during labour apart from pooing in the pool And also laboured stark naked - both in and out of the pool - I'd really lost any shame by then

[NAR4]

I got in the birthing pool while in labour with my second child. As soon as I needed to push the midwife insisted I got out the water to deliver the baby. This was 14 years ago and that was common place then. It wasn't as difficult to get out as you might think and of course everyone who used the birthing pool back then, had to do it. (Well in St Peter's, at least).

[whatsoever]

I planned to do the whole lot in the pool but was only in for about 1.5 hours and got out for diamorphine. I liked the atmosphere of being in the pool and really enjoyed how relaxing it was between contractions but in the end the pool + gas & air just wasn't doing enough for me when the contractions got stronger.

I got out & dried off. I'd already got out to go to the loo before that anyway. I could have stayed in the pool room as it also had a birthing couch but the MLU wasn't very busy so they got me a delivery room with a bed instead.

[NoTeaForMe]

Thankyou everyone. You've convinced me to give it a try. I guess I won't know about whether I want to stay in there and give birth or not until I'm in it! All being well I'll have a bit more control over this birth!