I think your own birth pools aren't allowed in hosp, prob some health and safety thing and filling up of it may be a prob too. My local hosp had 2 pools in mlU and 1 on clu, but they say it is very rare that u don't get to use it, I was desperate for a water birth last time and had explained to the MW on duty how once my waters break and I eventually get to 4cm that things move real quick, so please have it filled ready for me! But she didn't! And because I kinda use my own techniques to cope the the pain, so from the outside I look totally calm she had no clue I was pushing and left us on out own! Which Is why I'm determined to have a waterbirth at home this time so I can sort it all out and not have to rely on anyone else!!!
Maybe don't read if worried of inductions and internals although others I know haven't had it for 5 days so think I was kinda unlucky!....
As for internal exams, I think the worsed for me was the gels they use for being induced and the sweeps they do at the same time, I had 5 days of it with DS3 as was getting very strong contractions but not dilating and due to it being 3rd baby they couldn't use the drip, on day 5 I actually started crying as I was so fed up with being stuck on a wars, no sleep, seeing other ppl coning and having babies and id still be there and being pushed and pulled about along with the contractions! so a very butch MW said u can't have this anymore I'm gonna stretch u myself to 2-3cm so I can break your waters! Wow! Nearly threw up but she did it bless her and ds was eventually born that nite! Last pg I was a week overdue and went for acupuncture just to avoid being induced!
Desperate to get the much wanted water birth! I also swear by tens machines which obv u can't use in te water!!!
Welcome to the new guys and Lyra I'm pleased u feel sick again sorry to hear of the rubbish time u getting, and pram with medication mess up and mummy good news bout date being bought forward!