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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Pros and cons of a water birth? What’s your experience?

17 replies

ftmum94 · 03/03/2021 10:34

I’m swaying whether or not to opt for a water birth - keen to hear of some experiences and whether you’d recommend or if there were some negatives - thanks!!

OP posts:

Aozora13 · 03/03/2021 10:45

I initially wasn’t inclined because I thought it sounded a bit gross. With my first there was no time. With my second I was in the pool for pain relief but intended to actually give birth on dry land. However DD2 had other plans, and came out in 5 pushes before I had time to think about getting out!

Turns out it was bloody brilliant and I didn’t give a shit about what I was floating in or that I was butt naked. Hoping I can do it again with DC3!

Hatscats · 03/03/2021 10:47

Go for it if one is available (I planned one but for several reasons it didn’t happen!) you can always get out if you don’t like it anyway.
If I have another I’d have one (hopefully).

Kljnmw3459 · 03/03/2021 10:49

I had a good experience, it really helps to relieve some of the pain. They kept the water at a nice temperature and quickly removed any floating poop..... I was on all fours, which I found comfortable.

I would definitely recommend it.

fassnk · 03/03/2021 12:11

I had a great experience. Spent almost all of the labouring in the water but got out for delivery. i found it all very relaxing, didnt need a lot of pain relief i found the water really helped.

Thatwentbadly · 03/03/2021 12:12

With DD1 it wasn’t available and for DD2 I was only allowed to labour in the pool but the pain relief was immense and it felt so much more private.

bushhbb · 03/03/2021 12:15

I loved mine,

It helped with the pain so so well. Of course giving birth hurts but the water is such I relief I can't even imagine seeing to do it on dry land

It was nice visually to be in the boring centre rather than a room with wires and my legs pried open

I can't think of any disadvantages really. Not enough time in there afterwards?

peachypetite · 03/03/2021 12:16

Mine was great. Just bear in mind labour doesn’t always go the way you want though so don’t set your heart on a certain kind of birth.

ScarfaceCwaw · 03/03/2021 12:18

Fucking amazing. Loved it and never wanted to get out. Didn't need any other pain relief once I was in.

It can slow labour down if you get into it too early; that's the only real practical disadvantage.

Adulting2021 · 03/03/2021 12:59

I loved mine too, we ordered a birth in a box and had a home birth in the living room.

If you do do that though, make sure the hose connector fits your tap to be able to fill it

Dr273 · 03/03/2021 14:45

I wasn't keen, but I thought I'd leave it open. Didn't have much pain relief, and towards the end they were like, I'm gonna run you that bath... so I just got in, and it was great pain relief and, like others said, who cares about anything else at that stage?

museumum · 03/03/2021 14:54

Loved it. I stayed at home using a tens machine till 8cm dilated then four hours in the water at the MLU. No damage. Highly recommend it.

Maggie900 · 03/03/2021 14:57

Had one with both babies. It helped immensely.

I only managed to get in 15 minutes before delivery with second and I’m so glad I did as it was becoming unbearable and that just took the edge off.

Would absolutely recommend.

LJF1609 · 03/03/2021 18:51

Loved mine! I hadn’t planned to actually give birth in the pool but as soon as I got in the relief was incredible so there was no chance I was getting out. I was the first person to scoop my person out of the water and it was incredible.

StarsOnAMat · 03/03/2021 19:14

My first was a waterbirth. Worked great for pain relief but I ended up with a third degree tear which had to be stitched under a spinal in theatre. The midwife I saw for my second said the water often makes skin very fragile and more likely to tear.

riddles26 · 03/03/2021 22:30

I had 2 and no cons at all for me. First one, I only managed to get in at pushing stage as pool wasn't available earlier. I can't remember the relief well enough but it was a smooth delivery.

Second time, I got in much earlier and I can't even begin to describe the relief when I got in-the warmth and weightlessness was amazing. No chance I was getting out before baby born!

To the pp who said women are more likely to tear - I've been told (and read) the opposite that women are less likely to tear in water. I had second degree both times and was stitched by midwives.

If pool is an option at the time, I would recommend to go for it!

annlee3817 · 03/03/2021 23:36

I didn't enjoy, it didn't help with the pain, but was nice to float a bit between contractions with the water supporting my stomach, but it was too warm and got out part way through the pushing stage, happier on a mat on the floor hugging a giant beanbag with a fan on me. I'm in the minority though lol

Luckyelephant1 · 04/03/2021 10:59

Was anyone not able to have a water birth due to a pool not being available at the time? My MLU has two and I'm concerned this may be an issue. Reading these stories have made me sure I want one!

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