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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Does a water birth really help?

12 replies

JenJoWilson · 16/01/2014 11:37

I'm pregnant with my 3rd child, due on 27 March. I was thinking of having a water birth this time (with 1st baby @ 8lb3oz - pethidine + gas&air and with 2nd baby @ 9lb 0.5oz - gas&air).

This is the first time I've been genuinely anxious about giving birth. My 2nd birth was pretty painless up until I got to hospital and was told I was 6cm dilated. I was shocked tbh as it really was pretty painfree . I remember the last hour or so building up to the pushing though, still sends my stomach into little knots!

Does a water birth really help - has anybody got experience of a birth without a water birth and then one with a water birth that could enlighten me a little? And does anyone else feel anxious 3rd time round? I wasn't nervous with the other two but this one I'm panicking!

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Anniemousse · 16/01/2014 11:43

Yes, dry land with one and birth pool with the other.

The birth pool instantly relaxed me. Still had g and a for both and was much more relaxed, and so in control, in water.

Go for it. If you don't like it, you can always get out!

Jellybellyrbest · 16/01/2014 15:33

Had a WB for my 3rd DD, and highly recommend it. For the first time ever, G&A made me nauseous so I only had a few puffs as her head was delivered. She was my biggest by 12oz at 7lbs 15oz, but easiest delivery & I attribute that in part to the water….I was also more nervous 3rd time round, but it was fine. Now expecting my 4th & I'm starting to feel a little edgy about delivery again!! Natural to be I guess….good luck!

IJustWoreMyTrenchcoat · 17/01/2014 12:47

I never actually got to give birth in the pool as my contractions stopped and my labour was going on too long, but the pain relief when I first got in at 8-9 cm was immense.

I really noticed the difference when I had to kneel on the step to be monitored and when the Midwife made me stand up to try to strengthen my contractions.

BTW it was completely different from the bath I had during early labour which didn't help at all. I think the difference is the room to move around through the contraction.

Original poster

JenJoWilson · 17/01/2014 16:16

Thanks ladies :) I shall definitely put it in my birth plan then. I was slightly dubious as with my first child, my waters broke and immediately after this the pain set in. I assumed my labour would take hours and hours like the stories I heard so got my partner to run me a bath. Turns out it didn't help at all, prob due to contractions being a minute apart for a minute at a time but still, it made me wonder. Thanks IJustWoreMyTrenchcoat for pointing out that the bath you had didn't help at all compared to a WB.

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chloecorey · 20/01/2014 01:28

I tried a water birth and I honestly don't think it helped at all I'm not sure if it's cos baby was back to back or I'm a winge arse lol but I wouldn't recommend to be honest.

mjburstsoutofhiding · 20/01/2014 01:34

yes WB rocks, I have had 2 water births, 1 in a pool, in more or less in the bath and a further birth at home, home birth is amazing too.

Thingymajigs · 20/01/2014 05:59

I'm 38 weeks with my third and also far more anxious this time around. It's been 10 and a half years since my last birth at a MLU but this time I'm happy to go to the hospital despite having a wonderful birth previously.
I tried to have a water birth but I found the change from being able to tense my body on furniture and walk around to then sitting quite exposed in water made me feel very vulnerable and out of control. But you can simply get out again like I did.

BillStickersIsInnocent · 20/01/2014 06:29

I would recommend it if water relaxes you (ie you like long baths, the sea, find being near water soothing - I do)

I laboured in water for both mine, but with both my waters went during transition and contained meconium, so I actually gave birth on dry land.

I found the water took the edge off the pain and made it easier to manage the intensity of the contractions - I liked being belly down during each contraction, so I could hold on to the bar and stretch my legs right out.

Good luck!

Seff · 20/01/2014 07:39

I spent so much time in the bath whilst pregnant with DD, that it just felt right to be in the pool for birth, and it did help me. Some people don't like it, but IMO, if being in water helps you whilst you're pregnant, it may help for birth. I haven't experienced a dry land birth though so I can't compare it.

hazchem · 20/01/2014 07:42

I didn't get to use a pool but I found having a hot shower head pointed on my back really helpful. In australia people use heat packs, hot towels or even cotton nappies slightly wet then baked in foil. The hot towels is why I assume that every birth in movies requires boiling water. :)

Original poster

JenJoWilson · 20/01/2014 12:54

Its nice to see other points of view, most seem all for it so there's no harm in giving it a go! Like someone pointed out, if I don't like it, get out! Thanks :)

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babynelly2010 · 20/01/2014 16:24

it could depend, i had 2 water births, first was wonderful, got into pull after hours of tens machine it was great, wonderful birth as well, fantastic.
Second time things were so intense and fast water did not do jack shit, baby was in funny position though with his arm out, he got stuck so only head got born into water the rest outside. If my second was my first birth experience i would of never got into water for second, if that makes any sense.

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