High BMI and water birth

[KA19911]

Hi. My BMI is 39. I would love a water birth but have been told it is unlikely to be allowed due to my high BMI. Has anyone with a high BMI been able to have a water birth? I am consultant led, first appointment with consultant on Tuesday where I will ask her if the option is possible.

I was 17st with my ds and had a waterbirth. It was 18years ago though so things may have changed but I had no issues at all in my pregnancy. Is there any other concerns?

Pregnancy has been fine so far with no concerns. I do have PCOS but not sure that would add any risk in terms of having a water birth.

You can have whatever kind of birth you like (safely obviously). Ask about the risks and benefits and if they say the risk increases with bmi prod them, as sometimes (just an example) it will go up from 0.1% if births go wrong to 0.2% and they’ll tell you it doubles.

Do your research on your choices and rights before your appt! Good luck ❤️

Two petite midwives trying to manhandle a (collapsed or haemorrhaging) seriously obese patient out of a pool, to get them resuscitated and transferred to theatre, doesn’t bear thinking about. Transfer from bed to trolley, by contrast, is a simple matter of using a patslide.

You can have whatever you want. You just can't have it in an NHS hospital. You should be fine though. I was plus 45 BMI and I wasn't discouraged from a water birth.

I think it depends on the Trust policy. The hospital I worked at wouldn't allow water births with BMI 38 and over and the one I wanted to deliver in would allow it.
Best to ask your midwife for sure

It’s likely your hospital policy won’t “allow” it.

I somehow managed to get it in my 2nd pregnancy.

I was firmly consultant led in my 3rd. At approx 7 wks. He met me and said You will deliver a x hospital. We might induce you blah blah blah. I said nope I’ll deliver in a pool as long as the pregnancy progresses well. No you won’t. Yes I will. And I did. At home.

I had a bmi of 35. I was in the pool until 5 mins before giving birth, they didn't say anything but I believe they got me out so it was easier to intervene if required during the difficult part!

I understand what you are saying but it would be challenging to lift any person out of the pool if they collapse no matter their size? And I would like to think most situations are clinically managed before such emergencies occur. No?