Want a water birth but think I may be high risk?

[BigMomma3]

Recently found out I'm pregnant again. Early days but am already thinking about the birth . Like to forward plan! I know they normally only allow water births with low risk pregnancies but I really want one, especially as this WILL be my last ever pregnancy and I want to enjoy it!! My local hospital also has an excellent new birthing unit with birth pools.

Anyone able to tell me whether I would be high or low risk from the following:

Birth 1 (13 yrs ago) - induced at 39+5 due to pre-eclampsia with syntocin [sic] and pethidine, bloody hurt like hell! Healthy baby.

Birth 2 (8 yrs ago) - natural birth at 30 weeks (stillbirth - baby had v. rare lethal syndrome of unknown origin,we knew this 2 weeks before the birth) with mobile epidural.

Birth 3 - (7 years ago) twins with elective ceasesearn [sic] at 37 weeks due to first one being breech and 2nd lying sideways! Both healthy.

Am now 38 and have no medical probs except for being a bit on the plump side and I am planning to start a good exercise and eating regime to help with this (will not be dieting).

Have first antenatal appointment on the 23rd Dec and am physching myself up to be disappointed!!

Excuse the bad spelling, am not normally this crap at it!!

I don't know about the things that happened with your earlier pregnancies, but because you have had a section you are likely to be considered high risk. But that does not mean that, assuming this pregnancy is straightforward, you won't be able to negotiate a hospital waterbirth. I would prepare to be disappointed at your booking appointment (since the first appointment is often about box checking), but ask for the contact details for the consultant midwife and get in touch with him/her to see what can be done. Also ask the midwife doing your booking appointment which consultant is likely to be the most flexible when it comes to discussing hospital protocols for high risk women - and then change to that consultant if yours is not helpful.

Thanks MrsHappy - that is good advice. Will definitely do that.

Of course I would not take any unnecessary risks but would like to at least try rather than being told No from the get go as I know that I won't be classed as low risk! A water birth I could look forward to, the other options give me the heeby jeebies already!!

In my unit you would be considered unsuitable for a water birth due to previous section. Most units would recommend continuous monitoring of fetal heart for a vbac and this would not be possible in the pool. Your previous pre-eclampsia would not go in your favour either (although the fact it has not re-occured may do!)
Also, depending on what your BMI is you may also be considered high risk and unsuitable for water birth (in my unit is is anything above 30 at booking).
You don't mention your age, but this may also be a factor.
If you have your heart set on it, you will have to fight your corner (in my experience) and arm yourself with plenty of info.
However, I wouldn't get too involved at this stage as your mw and consultant will simply want to wait and see how the pregnancy progresses.
However, your unit may be much more forward thinking and progressive so you may be pleasantly surprised! I hope so, good luck!