Need advice asap!!!

7 replies

highheavenn · 14/06/2023 16:40

I asked my midwife recently if I can labour in the pool and she told me no because I have a high bmi. She said if I passed out for any reason they wouldn't be able to get me out!

Does this sound right? Google says labouring in the water is actually beneficial for bigger women !!!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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SouthwestSis · 14/06/2023 16:42

Perhaps it's to do with being over the weight limit for a hoist?

Original poster

highheavenn · 14/06/2023 16:42

SouthwestSis · 14/06/2023 16:42

Perhaps it's to do with being over the weight limit for a hoist?

I'm not even majorly big and the weight limit for hoists are a lot higher then my bmi!

OP posts:

ToBeOrNotToBee · 14/06/2023 16:45

It's because they physically won't be able to drag you out in an emergency

Jo176 · 14/06/2023 16:50

I imagine like most things it’ll vary across trusts and hospitals OP, unfortunately. My hospital allows partners to stay but my best friend’s nearby one doesn’t, for instance. There have been a lot of differences surprisingly, despite both NHS and similar risk levels, both Labour wards etc…

Nursemumma92 · 14/06/2023 17:48

I would clarify if they won't allow you to use the pool due to your BMI being too high for them to physically get you out of the pool in an emergency, or if it is because it puts you into a 'higher risk' category and they don't want you to labour without continuous monitoring.
If it is due to safety concerns with evacuating the pool then there isn't much that can be done but if it is due to the monitoring then you can make an informed choice depending on how your previous labours went and this pregnancy about whether you feel comfortable with intermittent monitoring (midwife listening in). Some trusts offer waterproof portable CTGs but not everywhere does, mine where I work and gave birth doesn't. All the best with your upcoming birth!

MsLaidBack · 14/06/2023 19:26

https://www.tiktok.com/@theheavyweightmidwife

I was having concerns about this and a thread I saw somewhere (could have been on here) suggested this lady as she gives a lot of advice. Hope this helps

The Heavyweight Midwife (@theheavyweightmidwife) | TikTok

The Heavyweight Midwife (@theheavyweightmidwife) on TikTok | 11K Likes. 2.8K Followers. I help plus size women have happy pregnancies. My Free Webinar June 21 ⬇️.Watch the latest video from The Heavyweight Midwife (@theheavyweightmidwife).

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PickledScrump · 14/06/2023 22:08

The sides on a birthing pool are very high so if you have a high bmi then they do say not to use it as in an emergency the midwives may not be able to safely get you out of there. I think it’s something like 35+

It’s for the midwives safety as well as yours and baby’s.

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