water birth? q’s from a 1st time mum

I had my DD in a birthing pool hadn't planned to but didn't want to get out!

1) so is it like a pool or a large bath?
The one I had was kind of the size of a spa pool.

2) is it just you, DP/DH and MW? or are the medical staff around as well?
Just me in the pool and DH and MW at the side. I used DH's arm as my support while pushing rather than just the side of the pool.

3) How does the MW check your progress without getting you out?
I didn't need any checks to be done (eg how many cms) but had the doppler which goes underwater checking the heartbeat a couple of time!

4) is gas the main pain relief option? can you use pethedine or does that make you too drowsy?
The birthing unit I was in only had gas but the water was so good I didn't need it.

5) does your DP/DH normally get in the pool with you? or is there too much gross stuff floating around!
Can't answer that but after seeing water at the end I wouldn't have asked him to get in

6) do you get totally naked? I did was more comfortable and didn't want to get my top wet. I think some people wear togs??

7) they still take baby away straight away for MW to do all her checks? Nope i got to hold DD for a while before we got out to deliver placenta etc

I started in the water and was hoping for a water birth, unfortunately DS had other ideas and we ended up in theatre for a ventouse delivery.

1) so is it like a pool or a large bath? Ours was a large spa bath
2) is it just you, DP/DH and MW? or are the medical staff around as well? It was just me, DH and my Mum. Eventually we did have a heap of other staff, but that was due to complications.
3) how does the MW check your progress without getting you out? My MW used an underwater doppler. She checked how many cm dliated I was before I got in and didn't again until I got out after the complications. I guess the rest of the time she was estimating on my pain levels and timings of contractions
4) is gas the main pain relief option? can you use pethedine or does that make you too drowsy? When in the bath I didn't use anything
5) does your DP/DH normally get in the pool with you? or is there too much gross stuff floating around!   It was just me, there wouldn't have been enough room for DH too because I was constantly moving around to try to get comfortable (or as comfortable as possible anyway)
6) do you get totally naked? i know i'm PG and going to be in labour, but surely you're still allowed some dignity in front of the MW & medical team?! I was naked. It was so much more comfortable than being restricted by any clothing, I do look back on the photos and cringe a bit though. Next time I'll wear my bikini top, I had packed it but once I was at the hospital all I wanted was to get in the pool
7) they still take baby away straight away for MW to do all her checks? Can't help with that one sorry.

1) so is it like a pool or a large bath?
I'd say it was more like a small spa, 2mx2m and about 1m deep.. I think...wasn't paying too much attention on the bath :P

2) is it just you, DP/DH and MW? or are the medical staff around as well? Just DH and I and the MW

3) how does the MW check your progress without getting you out? Dunno, but she seemed to know just by looking at me where I was at...

4) is gas the main pain relief option? can you use pethedine or does that make you too drowsy?
I really didn't need anything else, the bath is totally relaxing.

5) does your DP/DH normally get in the pool with you? or is there too much gross stuff floating around! Mine didn't, I needed him on the outside to hold me up, I was hanging over the side.

6) do you get totally naked? i know i'm PG and going to be in labour, but surely you're still allowed some dignity in front of the MW & medical team?!
I had a tog top on but really its up to you and what you feel comfortable with.

7) they still take baby away straight away for MW to do all her checks? I sat in the pool for about 45 minutes before the cut the cord and got the placenta out. Even when I had my first out of the water they left her with me for a fair while.

Good Luck!

1) so is it like a pool or a large bath?
Ours was like a shallow (as deep as a big bath) small pool. You may be able to go look at the hospital, i birthed at a birthing unit and went for a visit before hand.

2) is it just you, DP/DH and MW? or are the medical staff around as well?
Our it was just me, dh, my other support person and mw. They will call in another midwife at the end. And other med personal if needed, though i would think if you need other medical people you wouldn't be allowed to be in the pool anymore as they will only let you birth in the pool under very 'normal' labour.
3) how does the MW check your progress without getting you out?
I was never checked while in the pool. There isn't really a huge need for internals. But if you did want one you could get out. I found i wanted to get out to go to the bathroom and also for a bit of a break.

4) is gas the main pain relief option? can you use pethedine or does that make you too drowsy?
Sorry don't know i had no drugs

5) does your DP/DH normally get in the pool with you? or is there too much gross stuff floating around!
Dh could have gotten in with me, there was nothing in the pool, and just a slightly murkey water when my waters broke. But i wanted my own space. My dh helped me from the side to get into the positions i wanted.

6) do you get totally naked? i know i'm PG and going to be in labour, but surely you're still allowed some dignity in front of the MW & medical team?!
When i got in during early labour i had a baggy top on and my bra but after the first time i got out i just stripped off. I have the sticky clothes feeling wet clothes have.

7) they still take baby away straight away for MW to do all her checks?
Even if you don't have a water birth they don't generally take baby away unless there is a reason. My first was 36weeks so he was taken away but my second who was full term i just pulled up to my belly and then cuddled. Had help getting out and then handed her to dh while i birthed placenta.


Anyway hope that helps.

Wow thanks Ladies!
All of your replies have been really helpful, it's great to hear that you had good experiences also
I didn't realise you could also ask to have a look around... do you go on a tour as part of your ante-natal classes? I'm doing mine with the local parents centre rather than at the hosp itself.

Cheers again

I did my antenatel classes with Parent Centre and we went for a tour of the hospital, some time around 30 weeks I think it was

My classes didn't but my mw gave me a tour of the hospital when I was 35 weeks, but I had already been on a practice run at 32 weeks so knew it all...

CJ I just swished the water round, closed my eyes, told myself 'one less, one less, one less...' with each contraction and it did help imo but my contractions I won't say slowed but I started dilating slower in the tub.

Yup definitely agree, it's best to be prepared for all possible situations and keep an open mind.

I just kept an open mind as it was my first and I had no idea what to expect, my mw asked me what I would like and I just said I was open to whatever and would see on the day. I had the perfect birth imo.