Water Birth with Heart Abnormalities ?

[joanne34]

Hi, I just wondered whether anyone here, has had a Water birth before with a Medical record of a Heart abnormality ?

I have MVP, and it now seems to be a problem with the Birthing centre taking me on.... I am awaiting a meeeting with the Obs Consultant to try and change there views. (Even though i am not on the 'at risk' list )

Does anyone else have any info at all please ?

I am 35 weeks... and trying not to stress.

I've had 2 waterbirths but don't have a heart abnormality.

I think you need to focus on the questions to ask the Obs Consultant, such as "how does a waterbirth constitute a higher risk than a dry-land birth?" Get them to explain what the relative risks are, and ask for research based evidence. Is what the dr is telling you just his/her opinion or is there actually some data on waterbirths for women with your condition? How does the care for mothers with your condition differ from the care of mothers without your condition? What is better for your heart, a quicker birth (more likely in the pool) or cascade of intervention?

When I was in the birthing pool, the midwife checked the baby's heartbeat with a hand held instrument; maybe your heart could be checked in a similar way, if required.

Thanks, good points... I think I'll take DP along as, I will just get cross and he will ask those sorts of questions.

My last birth was Normal, I just really wanted to be in the birthing centre for a water birth.....

So did you have the same heart condition for the previous birth? If so, why are they making a fuss now?

is it the birthing centre who don't want to take you?

if so, have you considered a home birth?

I have sinus tachycardia which is only symptomatic in pregnancy. First time around, they transferred me from the Birth Centre to CLU because my heartrate went haywire in labour, though in fact I was fine and so was the baby and it was all a huge fuss about nothing by a panicky reg that cost me the natural labour I wanted and was perfectly capable of having (ooh, no, we can't let you in the pool with a heart-rate like that, but couldn't/wouldn't say why or what the problem was and I was in no state to argue). Second time around I had a homebirth with independent midwives, but I did see a cardiologist early on who said it posed no additional risk. In the end I decided I was really in labour too late for the pool. We kept an eye on my heart, which was up and down, but I felt fine and the baby was fine too - no drama at all! Your condition is obviously different but I found the cardiologist was much more laid back than the obs or the NHS midwives, who heard 'heart condition' and had an attack of the vapours. I'd say, assemble your information and then stick to your guns, if you want to be in hosp anyway they can react pretty quickly if a problem does arise.

Yes I have had MVP probably since birth, infact it's so common, its almost considered as normal now, depending on individuals.

It was diagnosed when I was 21, as I used to get eptopic heart beats and panic attacks... I have done strenuous exercise through out my life, which actually reduces symptoms to none !

My last birth was in the hospital ward, I didnt know any better.... it was a normal 3.5 hour labour.

It's the midwives and birthing centre ( midwife run ) that are the ones saying no.

I saw Consultant back at 14 weeks and he said ' why are you here ! ' and ' I dont need to see you again ' Basically get on with it youre not at risk !

I havent seen a cardiologist since 2005, I was told to come back in 5 years !

I have considered a homebirth, but am a little worried incase anything did not go to plan.... but then again, would they let me ?

BTW, I have an appointment with the Obs consultant next Thursday.... so I am hoping this will be all sorted !