Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

Did anyone use a plastic sheet on their bed in case of waters breaking?

55 replies

NewMummy5July2011 · 05/06/2011 19:20

Just wondering if anyone has used / is using a plastic sheet just in case your waters go on your bed. I know it's not common for waters to break in bed, however I'd rather be safe than sorry as we invested in a really good mattress!

For those of you that have used one, any advice on where to get one / what to use?

Thank you!!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

defineme · 05/06/2011 21:27

ASda smartprice shower curtain 99p

BoffinMum · 05/06/2011 21:32

I have 4DC. The first three times, the waters didn't break. The last time, there was a big bang in my pelvis as the head suddenly engaged at speed, and there were waters absolutely everywhere at 2 in the morning. A birthing Niagara. Very dramatic. Luckily I had a fitted polypropelene sheet that while sweaty to sleep on, saved our very new mattress. I would advise precautionary measures.

mummyosaurus · 05/06/2011 21:38

Dunelm mill do some lovely ones which are waterproof, but not plastic. Fantastic.

QueeferSutherland · 05/06/2011 21:38

I used those pampers care mats before and after, although I've never had a SROM in three deliveries!

Sleepyspaniel · 05/06/2011 22:25

If you have spent £££ on a new mattress you need a waterproof mattress protector. John Lewis do this and this. We have the towelling backed one and it is fab. Machine washable so any spills can just chuck it in the machine. It is not sweaty even though it is waterproof and you would never know it was on. The mattress is perfect condition underneath. You can use it for years and years as it won't wear out so it will probably outlast your mattress.

midori1999 · 05/06/2011 22:38

I was wondering about this, partly as we've recently bought a lovely memory foam matress topper. I don't want to take it off the bed as it is so comfy and I can barely sleep as it is. I didn't really want a waterproof cover as I thought it would be too hot/sweaty.

I think I'll look into the bed mat type things now.

Tarlia · 05/06/2011 22:50

I got ours in Argos for about £15, it's Terry towel topped. Baby is 4 months now and we've kept it on the bed as I'm breastfeeding and boobs often flood or baby pukes. It's not at all uncomfortable or making us sweaty, def recommend investing.

m1nn1em0u5e · 05/06/2011 23:05

I used the pampers bed mats, with an m&s mattress protector on top!..But then my waters broke as I got out of bed!

Darlingdamsel · 06/06/2011 07:38

Yep ... bought a very good and cheap one from Dunelin Mills ... very worth it/

captainbarnacle · 06/06/2011 07:42

Wow. I have never heard of this - and I'm pg with DC3!!

Waters have never broken before - DC1 was induced in hospital and DC2 my waters never broke

TabithaTwitchet · 06/06/2011 08:37

I have just got a cheap terry backed waterproof fitted sheet from Ikea - we did have a fantastic Hippychick one but we recently got a new king sized bed and it doesn't fit. Would really reccommend hippychick though, they are really soft and comfortable.
Even if my waters don't break in bed, I think a waterproof sheet will come in handy - last time it saved the mattress from me leaking milk everywhere in the early days of breastfeeding, and also meant that the time DH decided to change newborn DD's nappy on our bed and she pooed everywhere was less catastrophic than it could have been!

allthefires · 06/06/2011 08:41

I'm planning on buying a hippychick one (tabitha do you want to sell?!)

We have a new mattress and remember leaking boobs well!

NatzCNL · 06/06/2011 09:14

I didnt realise these were available. I slept on towels with my two DD's. Waters went in bed with DD2 at 3.15am, managed to 'plug' myself and waddle to the loo to let the rest of it go. Used fresh towel for car journey and maternity pads.

Will def be buying a mattress protector this time around - thanks for all the suggestions, and OP for asking about it!!

AchtungBaby · 06/06/2011 09:38

I had disposable maternity mats (and my waters did break in bed!), but when I started BFing in bed, I bought 2 of these waterproof fitted double sheets. They're a little expensive, but I think they're worth it (be careful though - I think they come in 2 slightly different double sizes; standard + Ikea / European). I also bought 2 of the corresponding waterproof fitted cot sheets.

So in hindsight, the disposable maternity mats (which have the potential problem of being quite small) weren't really neccessary, but the waterproof fitted double sheets were.

Rieslinger · 06/06/2011 15:13

bin bags, bin bags, bin bags!

nannyl · 06/06/2011 15:43

i have a hippychick one on our mattress all the time anyway....
you never know when you might need it. (it has saved our expensive white from a whole cup of tea)
It does not feel waterproofy at all and is NOT sweaty.

Its breathable and even approved for babies.

You can wash it at 60 and tumble dry too. (so many waterproof sheets, you cant)

I am planning a home water birth and today in my local charity shop i got 2 terry waterproof single bed sheets for the sofa.
If after birth i bleed alot at least the sofa will be fine underneath (and at 50p i wont worry if i have to bin it)
They fit my sofa perfectly and in the later stages i may just stick one on, just in case waters go while on the sofa.
May use the other in the car, just in case... will see!

candr · 06/06/2011 17:28

Had not even thought about this so thanks guys, have been told though that if you ruin your carpet with waters then house insurance pays up!, could be handy as we somewhat stupidly have just had nice cream carpets put throughout.

ilikeyoursleeves · 06/06/2011 19:48

My waters broke in the car, or rather exploded! It didn't smell at all though & the car seat was fine. A plastic bag wouldn't have made a difference!

ParisPreMom · 06/06/2011 20:21

I just picked up a single mattress cover from IKEA for 5 euros, I'm hoping it'll be breathable with the hot weather we're having over here in Paris.

JimmyChoo17 · 06/06/2011 20:34

Can I add a question to this...when did you all start using a cover (or whatever u r using) on your bed?

smellyeli · 06/06/2011 20:35

I think it's actually quite common for waters to go in bed (although mine never have - induced both times), as there is less head to plug the gap when you are lying down.

I second the Dunelm Mill reccomendation - I am 37+3 - not too plasticky, and will keep it on afterwards for boob leaks and baby pukes. I am quite precious about our mattress/bed in general - we bought it the week we got married and it took us two years to pay for it on (what my Gran calls) the never-never - I figured something you spend so much time in was worth it!

smellyeli · 06/06/2011 20:36

And that's recommendation for anyone visiting from pedant's corner.

m1nn1em0u5e · 06/06/2011 20:49

Im only early pregnant, but got a new bed last week, so ive got a protector on already just incase.....

nannyl · 06/06/2011 20:58

jimmy

i have always used one, so for several years before conception.

all beds in my house have them, and i dont take them off. id rather wash / chuck a sheet than buy a new mattress

Fraochsmum · 07/06/2011 09:39

Hi jimmy! I started using mine a week before due date x

Flip

1 2 3