Prostin gel and waterbirth

[mears]

Have any of you been induced with prostin gel and been able to use the birthing pool? I am night shift for the next couple of nights and if it is busy I won't get a chance to look for information.

I looked after a midwife friend 2 yrs ago who was induced with prostin. She had a waterbirth and is hoping to do the same again. I am perfectly happy for her to use the pool as there is no need for continuous monitoring after prostin. She has SPD and is struggling after falling down a flight of stairs, hence the induction which is booked for Friday. However, my manager isn't so supportive and would like research evidence to say it is safe. I have looked before and have been unable to actually find any but I know it does happen. She will not stop us from doing this (consultant is happy for her to use pool) but I would love to produce some evidence.

Any clever searchers out there who could find some info for me? Your unit might have a supportive policy. Any help gratefully received, mears.

YEP - I did!!

I was induced a week early with one dose of Prostin Gel - they did expect to use more but I did go into labour with just the one.

I had no intentions of having a waterbirth but I had terrible terrible backache (plus SPD) and the midwife asked if I wanted her to fill the birthing pool in my room. She did so, and I got in and it was fabulous. She said I should stay in and deliver if I wanted to but I remember saying I didn't think I could have a waterbirth if I'd been induced! She said that there was no such rule and if baby and mum were happy during labour, then the waterbirth would be fine!

In the end, after only 20 minutes or so in the water, DS1 made an appearance in the water

I'll try and find some info later - but I've got to go and feed my kids before they empty the cupboards/fridge themselves

I can tell you that in our hospital they would allow some women to labour with prostin.... it's a bit a matter of which MW is on.... i.e. some are big supporter of waterbirths and would envourage it. It is NOT against their protocol.
I am going to try to call the Maidstone MW I have mentioned to you before as she researches waterbirths.... also have you tried the Oxford group that publishes the Water Birth guidelines?

I think it must vary from hospital to hospital, as when I was told I might need to be induced (ha ha as if) that if I had any of the induction process incl gel then a waterbirth would not be posible as I would need to be "monitored" thereafter...

I would think with SPD that water would be an immense help with labour stress though

Thanks all. Pupuce - I have the Oxford guidelines. I will keep on searching but will go ahead with using the pool if all is well. I'll let you all know how it goes.

bump

Well countdown is on till labour. Prostin has been administered so I will await a phonecall to go in. Hopefully I will get a full night's sleep