Water birth risks

[tadah6]

Just wondered what are the risks of a water birth? FTM due in 5 weeks and really want a water birth. Can midwife still check baby's heart rate and if baby is in distress whilst I'm in the pool? How does that all work? TIA!

I had my 2nd water birth a month ago. Midwife monitored the heartbeat - it was dropping so I had to hop out for her to break my waters but then jumped right back in and out baby popped.
I was determined to have another water birth. I was fully dilated by the time I got to hospital and literally crossed my legs whilst the pool was filling up - they take quite a while!!
Good luck!

I so hope you get to have one, heard amazing things!

I had my boy on Thursday and really wanted a water birth. I went into hospital at 5cm and they were all set to give me one. Then little monkey did grade 1 meconium which came out when my waters broke so they wouldn't allow it.

I think if you're low risk they can still monitor baby and they can attach a scalp monitor to them. It's just if there's any risks, you want pain relief other than gas and air or something goes a bit off plan they won't let you or get you out. Go in with an open mind and best of luck 😊

I think there are monitors available that are suitable for water births (like a PP said, if you're deemed low risk).

I have read that the likelihood of tears is higher, as midwife doesnt necessarily have the same view when maneuvering the head out.

You may be more likely to tear as the midwife can't "help" the baby to come out slowly - they don't touch the baby during a water birth (apparently). However, water can help to soften the perineum, so that reduces risk of tears.

I had a water birth with my second and the whole experience was so much better.
The warm water was so relaxing and calming.
The midwife would check heart beat every now and then, very occasionally towards the end used a small mirror on a stick to she if the head was close without me needing to get out and it was done very non intrusive.
Because I was so calm I didn't fight the last stage when the head crowns and didn't have as many stitches.

I also found it took the edge off the pain enough not to use any other pain relief