Birthing pool

[KayCan]

Hi Ladies, I'm just looking for some advice or anyone with first hand experience....I'm warming to the idea of trying the birthing pool out, hubby and I have just done a hospital tour. However I think because of the IVF I'm classed as high risk so I asked the midwife about it and she actually said there's nothing to stop me trying this out, although the consultant may have a different opinion and if this was something I want then I should challenge it. She said to do some research to take to my next appointment. So I'm just wondering if anyone has any first hand experience of this? Thank you xx

[LKT1]

Hi KayCan, I’m also an ivf pregnancy and hoping for a Waterbirth. Unless you have a multiple pregnancy or complications you are not normally classed as high risk after having ivf. The good news is once you are pregnant you are usually on the same risk as other pregnant women. Hope this helps and that you get your water birth x

[Dreamingofbaby]

Heya. I’m also IVF and looking at a water birth. Never been classed as high risk due to it being IVF so maybe other reasons for u. But yeah same as pp shouldn’t be any reasons relating to IVF meaning that u cannot have a water birth. Lots of other reasons if have other complications such as need inducing , have certain drugs etc. Def worth checking out but def go for it if nothing comes up like that. We looking forward to trying it for our birth. Just sounds lush ☺️

[CatCee]

I’m in the same position as you where my NHS trust classifies an IVF pregnancy as high risk. I was surprised to learn this and asked lots of questions - apparently there’s weak correlation to low birth weight but currently my baby is measuring at the very top end of normal! 😂

I’ve been told that they like to induce at 39 weeks for high risk which I’ve also questioned. I’d like to use a birthing pool etc. but you can’t if induced so maybe that’s where they’re coming from? It’s all very confusing and difficult to get answers that add up between the midwives and all the different consultants I’ve seen. 🙄

[KayCan in reply to CatCee]

Hi thank you for your response, yes I have read about the low birth weight but my baby is also weighing in at the top end of the scale!! My consultant has been extremely laid back throughout because I've been a relatively easy patient, no complications so I'm wondering if he is literally waiting until the last minute to decide what he thinks I should do. If I say I want to use the pool it might wake him up a little bit lol!! I do jest because he has been great x

[sweetchild1989]

I'm not an ivf mum but I had a water birth with both my kids.... I would defo recommend it and you should be aloud to try and if it dont work out then they can always move you to a bed.... I hope all you ivf mummies are aloud a water birth xx

[Hidden]

I used the birthing pool for some of my labour; it helped ease any discomfort and gave me a rest but it did slightly slow labour down. I knew that in advance though and needed the opportunity to rest more than worrying about it slowing things (by an hour or so in my case). Would definitely recommend it and you can always change your mind on the day so worth getting it approved in advance.

One other pointer I’d give, stay as active as possible during your labour (i.e resist laying down too much) and use gravity to help you birth your baby. I stood for much of my labour, leaning against the bed on my arms when I needed support during contractions. Labour was 15hrs from beginning to end

[Hidden]

Gosh why is everything so unconsistant in the NHS eh? I've moved twice since pregnancy after IVF so been at 3 different sets of midwives/areas and no one has interested in the fact it was IVF ... good luck fighting your corner and with the birth x

[Hidden]

I'm currently pregnant following IVF and wanting to try the birthing pool. We're consultant lead and considered high risk but only because it's an IVF pregnancy. I mentioned the pool to our midwife last week and she said in our area there's a consultant midwife we can meet with to do the risk assessments and therefore access the birthing centre with the pool. Might be worth asking to see if there's a consultant midwife in your area!

[KayCan in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will mention this at my midwife appointment this week.