Questions re Body Mass Index being over 35 and wanting a water birth...help

[shinyshilling]

I had a perfectly safe and happy homebirth two years ago. It was my first child. It took 8 hours and I had to get out of the pool just before I delivered her (not sure why...must ask. I am due to have our second in December and would like a repeat performance but at my booking appointment today my midwife (who is lovely) told me that new guidlines that have been introduced say that you can't have a waterbirth if your Body Mass Index is over 35. Mine is 35.8 (what a bugger). I am overweight but not unhealthily so and I am 12 weeks pregnant. I am fit and had a problem free pregnancy and delivery last time. I am really upset by this as I have a bad back and the water really, really helped last time. Does anyone know the reasoning behind this and if there's anything I can do to fight my corner? The midwife said that I might have to go and put my case before a consultant, but I'd rather not have to enter in to it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, forgot to highlight that I had a water birth at home, but got out for the actual delivery.

Well it all sounds like bollocks really doesn't it. Can't see how being a couple of pounds more than some made up cut off point is going to make the world of difference.

Overweight women are generally classed as having higher risk pregnancies, but given all the details you have outlined, then looking at people individually, rather than just as a BMI, I can't see why anyone would think you are a risk.

Are you wanting to have this one at home too? Technically I can't see how anyone could stop you, but obviously much better to have support if you want a midwife there with you for it.

I imagine that you'll be routinely tested for gestational diabetes due to your weight, and if you do get it then that might genuinely cast a different light on your situation.

I was overweight with DS2 - think a MW brought it up once - and got loudly told that if she had a 6mths old baby at home, and was 3months preg and already on crutches with SPD that she too might be overweight.

Take a look at the 'what can't I...' page on here: www.homebirth.org.uk

meant to say 'WHY can't I....'

p.s. tell her where to go!

Please remember that your midwife quoted a guideline, not a rule. Of course, you have the right to a homebirth.
You just tell them that you are aware of the recommendation but want to go for a homebirth anyway.

sunriseanja ( midwife)

I would have thought if you are heavier that the water will actually support you better and allow you to have a more active birth. As CSWS says you are an individual and should be treated as such.

i was told at my first scan last week that because i was overweight i had to have an extra scan at 35 weeks because the fat hides which way the baby is lying which apparently confuses the doctors.
does anyone else get this too?
i know its lovely to get an extra scan and all but i'm not that fat size 16/18 but my bmi is 37 and with my last baby the midwife and myself could tell easily which way baby was. it just seems like a big waste of public money, and another way of embrassing those who don't conform to the standard sterotype of being a bloodly size 12.
sorry for the rant.

How can you be a size 16/18 with a BMI of 37 - doesn't sound right at all! I didn't get any extra scans with my last pregnancy because of my weight, but will get lots of extra growth scans this time as I have developed gestational diabetes.

Hi, sorry not sure about the waterbirth situation, but i have a BMI of 41, and was a size 18/20 when i got pregnant, i was offered the GTT which i had and was clear, but my midwife has not really bad mouthed my weight, if anything i blame it if things are going wrong. She and i can certainly tell which way my boy is laying, im 33 weeks, and he is head down, with his bum under my ribs, nice when he has a good stretch!!!!.

Dont worry about speaking to a consultant, just make sure you are clear on what you want to say.

All the best, hope you get the birth you want.