When did you start using 'pee mats'

[sepa]

Not sure what they are called really, but when did everyone start protecting beds/sofas etc just in case waters went? Also, what did you use? I'm guessing for a bed you would use one of the sheets used when children wet the bed? Or do you just not bother?

I've never bothered and my waters have never broken each time until the baby was just about to be born.

Never. Was induced at 39 weeks both times, but even still, it never occurred to me!

Nope, never. Good job too, midwife broke my waters after 24 hours labour.

Only while I was on holiday and 35 weeks pregnant. Didn't want to lose the deposit . But at home, never. Your waters are not likely to go in a sudden spectacular fashion. The media has a lot to answer for there.

If you are worried a towel on the couch will be fine, and waterproof undersheet for your bed. We got a bed sheet anyway for post-baby in case of vomit, nappy explosions etc.

I never bothered with the towels on the couch but did start to bring a towel and plastic bag/spare pants in the car after about 38 weeks, just in case. It never happened but good to be prepared.

I didn't mine went in the lounge both times. I was standing up.

I bought a packet of Pampers 'Change Mats' for about £3 and put a couple under my sheet the first time round.

Didn't bother the second time. He was born still in his waters so would have been a waste!

I bought a packet of mattress protector sheets from boots on their three for two deal and started to use one in bed at 38 weeks (currently 38+5).

It's stayed in position quite well and no hot and sweaty feeling which I'd read about on other forums.

My midwife did mention last week that they can go with a gush and she'd recommend using something - it might never happen but I'd rather have it there than not and you can use them after birth to prevent blood / milk leaks onto the mattress.

Sexy, eh?

I have visions of my waters exploding everywhere.
Most places I don't really mind about them going but I bet it would be a pain to get it out of the mattress?

Never.

I started using Boots maternity mats under our bedsheet on my due date. Fortunately DS was 3 days late as my waters broke in spectacular style at 2.00am. This time round I reckon I'll start using them from a couple of weeks before, just in case!

I put a couple of the boots ones under my sheets at about 36 weeks. Waters didn't go until I was very much in labour in the hospital, so it wasn't needed.

We now use them for nappy off time with DD.

I never did,my waters had to be broke both times

I didn't bother. I'm one of the waters going spectacularly out of the blue brigade. First time I was on the sofa, second time I was asleep in bed. Both times, I leapt up so quickly that my trousers and the carpet took the brunt. Nothing in bed or on the sofa.

I used a folded up towel from about 38 weeks whenever I remembered (which wasn't often). In the end my waters went in the bath after contractions had already started but I leaked LOADS on the drive to the birthing centre, way more than a pad could handle. So worth having something prepared for the car in my experience!

I didn't bother, my waters went as I got up off the sofa so the (thankfully laminate) floor got the brunt of it. What I wasn't prepared for is that they just keep on leaking and leaking and leaking. Last thing I did before I left for the hospital the next day was out the washer on as I had gone through every single towel in the house!

never occurred to me!
Only 20% of people's waters break outside of the maternity hospital. Most will go during active labour.

I never even thought about doing this, my waters didn't go until I was in active labour, or I think were broken for my first.

My midwife has told me usually labour starts with contractions in her experience

I didn't bother with them. Mine broke as I stood up from the bed, and even then it was a trickle rather than a dramatic gush.

Never. The first time, they broke my waters in hospital. The second I had at home but tbh I have no idea when my waters went, it was certainly very late on (ie in the few mins before birth).

I used Boots Maternity mats from about 39 weeks. My waters went at 1am whilst asleep in bed so I'm pleased I did.

I didn't bother. My waters were trickling out for 48 hours and wernt fully broken by the midwife until i got to the hospital.

I used a boots one under my bed sheet from 39 weeks which s my waters broke in bed at 39+1 (and leaked all day) was very lucky. I used another under a blanket whilst sat on the sofa one I came home. Made me feel more comfortable even tho I never leaked.

IKEA do waterproof sheets, so we just got one of those and stuck it on. Figured it would be useful for any other spillages caused by kids in general.