Common Questions

Practicalities of a Water Birth

• Will my floor take the weight of the pool?
  
  Our luxury heated pools weigh approximately 669kgs when full. This amounts to 9 or 10 men standing in 5 ft diameter area. The unheated pools are made of wood and so weigh a little more. To date we have never heard of a floor collapsing under the weight of a birthing pool. For your peace of mind you could place the pool in the corner of the room so you gain maximum support from the wall plates and have the shortest span of floorboards or you could purchase sheets of ply to lay down over your floorboards to spread the weight even further. If you are still unsure then a local surveyor should be able to advise you.
  
  
• Can I have one of your luxury heated birthing pools upstairs?
  
  Both Eva and Siu-ming, the previous owners, had their babies upstairs in Victorian houses and there was no ceiling damage. You will need to make your own decision about a quiet private space verses your peace of mind...and whether or not you would be worried about 9 men standing together in your bedroom!
  
  
• What if the birthing pool liner leaks?
  
  Our liners are made from an extremely durable non rip material and are regularly tested and inspected. If the liner is damaged for any reason and a leak appears it is likely to be a 'dribble' rather than a 'gush' and the liner will be promptly replaced. To our knowledge there has never been a flood using the type of liners that we supply.
  
  
• Is the birthing pool easy to set up?
  
  Yes. It will take about 20 minutes. Full instructions are provided.
  
  
• How long will it take to fill the birthing pool?
  
  About 1 - 2 hours depending on your hot water system and water pressure. Hoses and connectors provided.
  
  
• How will I empty the birthing pool?
  
  A pump and hose are provided.
  
  

Using the birthing pool

• How soon will I be able to get in the pool?
  
  As soon as you want to, although you may find the water more beneficial if you wait until labour has established and keep something up your sleeve until you really need it.
  
  
• Can water slow labour down?
  
  Rarely, once you're in established labour it usually relaxes you and can actually speed things up. However, if your labour does slow down after being in the water for a while, simply get out and try being more active and upright for a time. The wonderful thing about using water for pain relief is that it is reversible!
  
  
• Can my partner / children get in the birthing pool with me?
  
  Yes, though children are not usually expected to attend hospital births.
  
  
• Can I get in the birthing pool if my waters have gone?
  
  Yes
  
  
• Do I have to be naked?
  
  No, not if you don't want to be. Some women wear a bra, cropped top or T shirt.
  
  
• Is it true that I might open my bowels in labour? Isn?t this a problem?
  
  No, it's not a problem It's normal towards the end of labour to open your bowels on dry land or in water. All midwives are used to it and will easily remove debris from the birthing pool with a sieve.
  
  
• Is there an increased risk of infection for myself, or the baby in a waterbirth?
  
  No, research has shown there is no increased risk of infection at all.
  
  
• What temperature will the water be?
  
  If you have a heated birthing pool you can set the temperature of the water to suite your requirements. Otherwise you will need to top up with warm water periodically.
  The water temperature shouldn't be so hot that it causes your normal body temperature to rise, as this might cause your baby to become overheated and unwell. Most women tend to like the water at around 35 degrees but every person regulates their body temperature differently. The most important temperature is your temperature not the temperature of the water!
  Some NHS guidelines lag behind the most up to date studies and state that a woman should give birth in water temperatures of around 37 degrees.(body temperature). This can be too hot for many women as they are working very hard in labour and need the water to be less than their body temperature to help them to cool down.
  However, after the birth, it is important that you and your baby stay warm. so you may need to top up the pool with warm water at this stage if you want to stay in.
  
  
• Can I eat and drink in the birthing pool?
  
  Yes, it is particularly important not to get dehydrated in labour as this can slow things down, so you will be encouraged to take regular drinks. Bendy straws are really useful as are frozen cubes of fruit juice.
  
  
• How will my baby be monitored whilst I'm in the birthing pool?
  
  The baby's heartbeat can be regularly listened to, with an underwater sonic aid / Doppler, the same as a labour on dry land.
  
  
• How long can I stay in the birthing pool?
  
  As long as you are comfortable, but you will need to get out regularly to empty your bladder.
  
  
• Can the midwife perform vaginal examinations in the birthing pool?
  
  Yes, she should be able to, although she might ask you to change position. Remember assisting a woman in water is a core skill for all midwives. Ask your midwife beforehand if you are in doubt.
  
  
• Do I have to give birth in the water?
  
  No, some women only use water in labour but get out to give birth. Others may end up giving birth in water when they had not intended to, because they find being in water such a relief. Some women have a pool at home purely for relaxation in the weeks before giving birth and for enjoying with their baby afterwards. Until you are actually in labour you won't know for certain whether using water for labour or birth is right for you.
  
  
• How will the midwife be able to see what's happening?
  
  The water is usually clear enough to allow a good view of the birth process. If your position makes it more difficult to see, a torch and a mirror may be used in the water.
  
  
• Am I less likely to tear in the water?
  
  There is increasing evidence to show that use of water significantly reduces instances of perineal damage. Certainly, women often seem better able to control their pushing enabling a controlled and gentle birth in water.
  
  
• Will my baby try to breathe under water?
  
  No ? healthy babies are born with a dive reflex in place. This inhibits them from taking immediate breaths under water. Another protective mechanism against breathing underwater involves receptor cells in the newborn's larynx, which can distinguish between fluids, which can be inhaled (e.g. his/her own amniotic fluid) and those which should be swallowed (e.g. water).
  
  
• What if my baby's cord is around his/her neck?
  
  This is quite common and doesn't usually prevent the baby from being born, after which the baby can quickly be unravelled in the water. If there seems to be a problem with the birth of the baby's body, you will be asked to stand up so that any necessary assistance can be given out of the water.
  
  
• Will I be able to breastfeed in the birthing pool?
  
  Yes, as long as the baby is kept warm enough e.g. the water temperature needs to be at body temperature and the baby's head needs to be dried with a warm towel and perhaps covered.
  
  
• How soon after the birth must I leave the birthing pool?
  
  This depends on how you feel and on how / where you want to birth your placenta. Some women stay in the water to birth the placenta. Other women stay in the water with their baby until the cord has been clamped and cut (after it has stopped pulsating) and then get out and await the arrival of their placenta on dry land. If you have been advised to have an oxytocic injection to speed the delivery of the placenta, you will need to get out of the pool immediately after the birth.
  
  
• When would a water birth be ill-advised?
  
  Some medical conditions/history and/or pregnancy complications may make water birth less straightforward or safe, this should be discussed as early as possible in pregnancy to allow you to make informed choices and birth plans. The advice you are given should be evidence based. If you don't understand anything don't feel shy to ask again and again until you do. Remember, it is ultimately up to you to decide how and where you want to birth your baby and many women who may initially be advised against a water birth e.g. those who have had a previous Caesarean section have had successful water births.
  In labour you would be advised to leave the birthing pool if you or your baby showed signs of being unwell, this might include you becoming too hot, significant changes in your baby's heart rate, evidence of fresh meconium (baby poo) or if you needed assistance with the birth itself.
  After the birth, you would be advised to leave the birthing pool if you had a heavier bleed than usual, if you felt faint and/or unwell, if it was difficult to keep you and the baby warm enough in the water or if the baby appeared unwell after birth.
  
  

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