Chances of being allowed a water birth

[amieeb]

So ever since I found out I was pregnant I have been so set on having a water birth in my local birth centre (it's situated next to the labour ward at my hospital and connected inside ) . I am now 26 weeks and I have already had 7 scans with 3 more booked due to my baby having a multicystic pelvic kidney. This basically means that one of her kidneys has grown in her pelvis and is non functional so full of cysts. The long term outlook is very positive and it shouldn't cause any complications during pregnancy or birth. She will just need to be seen by the paediatricians around a week after she is born. I was referred to specialists at oxford who gave me a report saying the when, where or how I give birth shouldn't be affected but I'm still scared that I will be turned away as i know people who have been turned away just for having extra scans. Do you think there is still a chance that I will be able to use the birth centre and if not would be allowed to birth in the pool on the labour ward? Thanks x

Hiya, congratulations on your pregnancy. Obviously I can't say anything for definite as every labour is different etc but I've just had a very difficult pregnancy, baby has basically wanted to be born since about 18 weeks. I've had lots of extra scans and appointments but I was still able to go in the pool during my labour last week even though I was only 33 weeks and baby was quite stuck. I needed a bit of extra help but I was still able to deliver him in the pool :) Hoping everything goes well for you, good luck! xxx

Thank you @MissKatyKat this has made me feel much more optimistic. Congrats on your little one as well x

As your baby does not require specialist input at birth and there is no greater risk to you or the baby you should be fine. Have you asked your midwife? If there is an issue can you ask to see someone to be signed off for the birth Centre or pool all being well?

Also my brother has a similar issue (only one kidney, other a mass of cysts at birth) and was/is fine! You obviously already know this but an extra positive story can't hurt!

I say this because a friend was 'signed off' by a birth centre midwife due to arthritis. They were happy she could go there. Probably not needed in your case though.

Totally depends on YOUR hospital and the midwife on the day, I was "high" risk they said I could still have a water birth even if I was induced, on the day they said no 🙄 wasn't bad though was glad to be on the ward when I started to haemorrhage x