Can I argue for water birth even if induced?

[ChoChoSan]

Hello,

I am currently 40 + 3 and planning a water birth at home. I have been advised by a doctor at the hospital that I cannot use the birth pool if I need to be induced.

Can anyone tell me if there is any valid reason to refuse water birth just because I am being induced?

I recognise that induction can lead to a more vigorous labour, but I think they should take each case on it's merits and make that decision when I am actually there, rather than imposing a blanket condition on all inductions.

I would appreciate others' thoughts and experiences on this as it is stressing me out a bit...obviously I am still hoping for things to happen naturally in the next week or so, but I would like to come to terms with a hospital induction if I need to, or to be prepared to put my case to the medics if they do make me go into hospital.

Thanks.

I was induced and they said no - this was because I was on a monitor all the time (CFM) and a drip (IV antibiotics and synotocin), so it wasn't practical (or safe!!). Most hospitals do want to monitor you the whole time as inductions can lead (rarely) to distress in the baby, so they need to keep an eye on the baby.

It may be that you don't need to be on a drip, in which case you could argue for intermittent monitoring - and in that case they may let you go in and out of the pool - but it does depend on the type of induction you end up with, and their own policy (& availability of a pool in the hospital - you can't be induced at home, obv.).

That said, my induction was good, I was mobile the whole time (not in bed at all, as it happens) and was a very positive, empowering experience. It wasn't the lovely waterbirth I wanted, but it was OK, so try not to get too disheartened if you can't get in the pool.

Best of luck x

I think that induction tends to lead to a series of policies that may be incompatible with water birth. Whether those policies are evidence based is worth questioning. Whether you wish to follow those policies is your decision. If it were me I'd go in and ask lots of questions.

If they want to put you on continuous monitoring, why? What evidence do they have to show that CFM improves outcomes over intermittent monitoring? Do they have access to water proof CFM?

If they want to put you on a drip and say you can't go in the pool - ask why! The pipe work is pretty long so ought to be able to reach. There may be an infection risk if you put the cannula underwater, especially once your waters have gone - but they could minimise that with waterproof dressings or you could minimise that by keeping your arm out of the water.

Its also worth asking yourself how strongly you feel about the different aspects of things. Often times women are told they "need" to be induced because they hit the gestation laid down in the hospitals policy without going into labour spontaneously - that's different to a clinical "need" in my book and women can and do decline the offer of induction (whereupon they should be offered expectant management instead). Similarly, the hospital may advise you to go in if you go into labour past, say, 41 weeks - but you don't have to follow that advise and they have a legal obligation to support you if you choose to labour at home.

I very much agree with your point that every case should be considered on its individual merits. No course of action or inaction is without risk. As mentally competent adults we have the right to make up our own minds as to which set of risks we feel is most appropriate for us and our babies. Ask the questions, get the information, make up your own mind as to what is right for you :).

Induction by gel, no probs after they're happy baby's ok is my understanding.

Similarly, if favourable and sufficiently "late" you could request your waters to be broken. My friend had waterbirth this route at 40+18

If you're hooked up to a drip, like Sufi says, then they will insist that as part of that induction you are also monitored constantly. On a practical level, therefore, waterbirths are right out, what with the wires. Hell, you'll be lucky to get a midwife that's happy to help you get to the loo and doesn't instead insist on you balancing above a small cardboard carton! Though great to read above that Sufi did strike it lucky in that respect-so can be done!

I'd personally suggest reading up on induction. The choice is not as clear cut as it would seem and the stats, when thoroughly examined I found to be enough to sway me away from induction ever again.

Good luck!

Hi,

I was induced with DS1, I had a pessery inserted.

When labour kicked off i was put in a room with a pool by chance and they asked if i wanted to get in it and I did.

Thanks everyone, I think maybe I will only agree to induction if it's not on the drip and argue my case for warerbirth accordingly. I am not happy to be on continual monitoring anyway unless there's a problem,tbh.

Hopefully things will happen before then anyway!

I found these phrases by Mary Cronk really useful to keep in the back of my mind - just to remind me that the consultants could advise whatever they liked but, ultimately, it was up to me what I allowed them to do. The first one in particular is really useful as a way to just buy yourself a few minutes (or hours or days) to stop and think rather than agreeing straightaway and feeling bulldozed into a decision.

Just for clarity, they may "insist" that induction by drip means you "must" have CFM, but as a mentally competent adult they can't force you to have either.

Good luck :)