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Childbirth

Over 40 water birth

8 replies

mellongoose · 15/08/2016 09:09

Do you know if it is possible to have a water birth if you go over your due date when over 40 (years old)?

My first dd was born in a midwife led unit in the pool and I'd like to do that again (if it all goes as well). But I here that they automatically induce at 40 weeks?!

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mellongoose · 15/08/2016 11:04

Shamelessly bumping for help :)

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JessieMcJessie · 15/08/2016 21:36

I suspect every hospital has its own policy- I'll tell you on Wednesday what mine is- am due in for 38 week monitoring on Weds and am told that they will explain induction policy to me then (I'm 42 and hoping to use the midwife led birth centre with pool).

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PeppasNanna · 15/08/2016 21:40

I had dd when i was 40 & 41 weeks pregnant, oh & she was my 6th dc.

Most hospitals have policies on induction etc but remember they are only policies.

Good luck!

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mellongoose · 16/08/2016 09:56

Thanks for your help girls. Good to know it's not an across the board policy. Will see what the midwife says.

Good luck Jessie

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0hCrepe · 16/08/2016 10:00

I'm 40 and have the option of being induced at 40 weeks but it's not compulsory. I'm also down as consultant led because of my age. I would like a water birth and the pool is in midwifery led so I asked my midwife about it. She said when I phone triage when labour has started to say at that point I'd like to be midwifery led and request the pool too, to give them chance to fill it.
Have you had any complications?

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mellongoose · 17/08/2016 10:37

No complications so far but it's still early days. I will explore options at next mw app.

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JessieMcJessie · 17/08/2016 13:46

I was told they "like" to induce within a few days of EDD for over 40s and that induction cannot be done in the midwife- led unit. I am seeing a consultant next week if baby not yet born to discuss induction policy in more detail. However they do have pools on the labour ward too in my hospital so being there doesn't necessarily preclude using one. That said, if I need extra monitoring I won't be able to use a pool. However they do all they can to avoid you being flat on your back.

Is the MLU where you want to go close to the hospital? Mine is in the same building, one floor below, and I don't think I'd be considering it if it was far enough away to require ambulance transfer. Just my personal preference though.

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mellongoose · 17/08/2016 21:31

MLU is 10 minutes from home. The hospital is a good 25 mins from MLU. Had DD in MLU and it was a great experience. Have since turned 40 so things could be different this time.