High bmi & birthing centre

[Secondtimemamma]

So my local birthing centre states online that aslong as your bmi is under 40 at your 28 week appointment you can use the birthing centre.. but if your bmi is over 35 you cannot use the birthing pool.

My bmi was 41 at booking but 38 now at 33 weeks.. would I still be able to use the birth centre as my bmi is under 40 now.. it seems like a stupid question as I feel that I now qualify..

Also has anyone been able to use a birthing pool if they’re bmi has been over 35?

I would ask my midwife but I have no contact details for her and my appointment isn’t until next week 😬 x

I don’t think you’ll be able to use the birthing room pool as the cut off is for health and safety (manual handling) reasons, sorry. But looks like you’d be able to go to the birthing centre based on the info above! They will weigh everything up based on risk, so if you have other medical issues to take into consideration then this may change. Good luck, it’s all a minefield isn’t it?

Can you ring up the birthing centre and ask? They will make decisions based on their risk assessments.

I've always thought it was odd that the birthing pool limit should be based on BMI rather than actual weight. Obviously they need to be able to lift you out if you're unconscious, but a 5 foot woman with a BMI of 35 is going to weigh a lot less than someone who is 5 foot 8 with BMI 35. Bit illogical if that's the only reason for the rule? It should be (eg) 15 stone instead!

But a bit of a tangent sorry! As pp said, you are a unique set of risks not like anyone elses risks, so best to ask your midwife 😊