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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

Water birth

39 replies

Tans1987 · 27/07/2016 19:23

Hello ladies
I was wondering if anyone has had or considering a water birth? It's my first baby and I really think I would like one but just wanted some advice?
Xxx

OP posts:

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mellongoose · 28/07/2016 21:21

Ps. Only a slight tear and no stitches. Result!!!!!

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LotisBlue · 28/07/2016 23:01

I had one with dc2. It was great, the water really relaxes you and helps with the contractions and the pool feels like your own private space.

Don't pin all of your hopes on having on though - I was really disappointed not to be able to use the pool with dc1

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Melt90 · 05/08/2016 05:54

Hi I had my little one on Sunday and iv been fine I just went to the loo and iv found I passed a huge blood clot size at least a couple of inches by a couple of inches it's a handful is this normal? Sorry for tmi this early just worried il ring up midwifes when There open but just was wondering people's experiences xx

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Dlah · 05/08/2016 06:17

I believe certain hospitals have weight limits for water births?

Has anyone come across this/know what they are?

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GoldenWorld · 05/08/2016 06:36

It's normally up to a BMI of 35 for water births.

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CustardOmlet · 05/08/2016 06:44

I imagine it's as GoldenWorld said, a lot of hospitals won't allow water birth if you have any complications and high BMI would be one. My first was a water birth, I wasn't fussed during pregnancy, but as the offered a gave it a try and loved it! Had g&a which I also enjoyed so all in a brilliant experience! Fingers crossed there will be a pool free for me this time (my hospital also won't let you in if induced)

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mellongoose · 05/08/2016 06:57

Melt it is normal to pass a lot of blood after giving birth. I don't remember clots as such but my mind is a fog about those early days. If you're concerned enough to post here I would call your MW and check. They won't mind and you are still under their care.

Congrats on your new bubs

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Tubbyinthehottub · 05/08/2016 10:52

Yes, usually women with a high BMI are not recommended for water birth. I believe it's because staff would have difficulty helping them out of the pool if needed and maybe risks are greater anyway? I don't know what the limits are though, I'm guessing above 'normal' range.

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SVC90 · 14/01/2019 00:22

Hi!
I attempted a water birth in September. It was awful. The room was cold- the curtains were moving even though the windows were shut (the midwives and my husband kept complaining they were cold too).
The water was also cold. I kept asking them to put warm water in. It was a plumbed in pool. They said no.
The pool had a Completely smooth bottom. Nothing to hold onto or push your legs against etc... every time I had a contraction I slid under the water and my husband had to fish me out. Not nice Ended up getting out.

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Springmummy19 · 14/01/2019 09:56

I'm so sorry for the question I am about to ask but in a normal delivery, it is likely that you might poop. is this also possible in a water birth? I'm really intrigued by the idea of a water birth but this is the only thing that makes me unsure

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TwittleBee · 14/01/2019 10:54

So wanted a waterbirth! Really looked so tranquil and I love baths, they make me totally relaxed.

I wasn't allowed one though with DS, water broke pre term and I had to be all hooked up and monitored

Some good Pros and Cons out there though:

www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/water-birth-79850

I remember during my Hypno and NCT classes that the main issue with Waterbirths are Stagnating Labour, if you get into the water too early it can cause labour to proper slow down due to being too relaxed. We were told to keep active for as long as possible and then get into the water when pain really is getting too much

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Triskaidekaphilia · 14/01/2019 11:08

I think I'd really like one, have always felt comfortable in water. I'm no martyr when it comes to pain relief but a lot of drugs make me feel sick and the idea of not being able to move with an epidural scares me. I'm interested in 'mobile' epidural where you can still walk about but don't know if my hospital does this. So water my first choice but I don't mind if it doesn't work out.

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Justus22 · 14/01/2019 13:02

I got into the pool with my 1st and lasted about 10 mins, it's very warm in there as not to shock baby with change in temp when they come out. I got too hot and felt clostrophobic in it personally but some people like it. X

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whiteonesugar · 14/01/2019 13:51

I wanted one with DS but they told me there wasn't enough time to fill the pool. 3 hours later i was still pushing! I didnt have any pain relief with DS though, but i do think water would have maybe stopped me needing the forceps at the end!

I would really like one with this baby and reading these stories is making me look forward to it!