Anyone had a water birth? Pros/cons?

Question

Ftm and I'm considering a water birth but an epidural isn't allowed during a water birth at the hospital I'm going to which seems a little scary. maybe tmi but I also read it's common to poop during birth, what if I poop in the tub? Those are the two main cons for me. Please no mean comments, the poop thing is a genuine concern 😬 what was y'all experiences? Thank youu 😊

Answer

I did a water birth. Great for natural pain management,  and if you do poo in the tub, it gets scooped out before you notice. The midwives are really paying attention to that kind of stuff. They are used to it happening.

Answer

My hospital doesn't allow water birth but they do have tubs. With my second I labored in the tub for hours (while being induced.) It was so wonderful. Baby's heart rate was monitored. I had music playing. My husband sat outside the tub and we just chatted and trimmed contractions. I hit a point where I knew I was dilating fast. I got up and I felt so much more pain. I had time to get an epidural and was about 8 cm dilated. My water then broke naturally. The whole process was beautiful and the water sure helped me with inducement pain and calming.

Answer

I had a water birth in January 2020 and honestly it was the best thing ever! 
It was so calming and just a lovely experience.
I'm due to give birth again in September and fingers crossed I get to have another water birth x 
I'd recommend a water birth to anyone!

Answer

You may luck out and have a good bowel movement before active labor and not poop at all! I had a BM before active labor and no poop! (Inwas pumped about that! And yes, it's normal and the docs or midwives are good at handling it  - but I just didn't want that to be my case haha). I was a little worried about that too (considering a male friend of mine told me that - as a man - that is one smell you'll never forget... his wife pooped during labor and he described the smell of poop mixed with blood/afterbirth, etc... that it smelled like a poop covered rotting deer carcas hahahaha). Yea so, he freaked me out and I didn't want that smell lingering for my birth experience. That story literally scared the shit right out of me and I pooped beforehand! Hahaha.

Answer

Water birth or water labor is great! I labored with my first 2 in the water but got out to birth and loved it.  1 hospital and 1 home. Helps focus and relax you. My third was an unplanned water birth at home because she came so fast. 2.5 hours from wake up until baby in arms. It was cool but I prefer being out of the tub for birth. Don't limit your options and listen to your body for what you need while in labor. A pool is often nice because it gives you space and some more quiet. 
Poop is a non issue. They will clean it up before you notice wherever you are of it happens. It is extremely common to have a little come out as a baby is putting a whole lot of pressure on your bladder and bowels on their way out. Think of it like a tube of toothpaste. I've only had a tiny amount with my third birth and none with my first 2.

Answer

Helps with pain, but also makes progress slower.
I liked it, but I was told to get out and... Well I was in about hour or two, but was not progressing and needed extra meds given etc. Basically I couldn't give birth in a tub eventually, but the start was promising. And relaxing I would tell.

Anyone had a water birth? Pros/cons?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products