Maybe a daft question...

[Teri7489]

Hi guys, just wondering something but please tell me if I'm being stupid. I'm hoping to use my Tens machine for as long in labour as possible then use the birthing pool in hospital. Thing is, there is only one pool and obviously isn't guaranteed to be free. So I was wondering, if that's the case can I use a normal bath and give birth in it or is it likely to be too small and dangerous?

 

[RaspberryK]

I really doubt they will let you to be honest but you can always ask if they will let you take your own? Or have a home birth and have your own?
x

 

[Eleanor ace]

I saw a program about home births a while ago and a woman asked her MW this. She was told that normally a regular bath is a no-no for actually delivering in as the water level isn't high enough to make sure the babies head stays under until they're fully delivered, which obviously is really dangerous. And also most regular sized baths don't allow enough room for the MW to get a good look at what's going on. But the woman on this show had a big bath and was OK'ed for using it. So you could always ask!

 

[Teri7489]

....or just pray that the birthing pool is free! Lol. I know that was a daft question, wrote it in one of my panic moments. Owell. Will just have to wait and see xxx

 

[MindUtopia]

You can definitely use a normal bath, assuming it's comfortable for you. It's true you may not be able to actually deliver underwater because it isn't deep enough to submerge yourself in, but you can still labour in it and stand up or get out to have your baby. Our local hospital only has one room with a pool and it's actually free most of the time. They said it's rare they have someone request to use it but it's already occupied. My friend (at a different hospital) had her baby in the bath.

Personally, I preferred using TENS to the birth pool and really only got in for about 30 minutes before I got out again (had a home birth, so obviously wasn't an issue having a queue for the pool). I don't think it's fair to hog the pool if you aren't going to use it in the early stages, but the best approach might just be to stay at home using your TENS until you feel you need to think about using the pool and then head in so you can get in when you need it. But yes, you can definitely use a regular bath (or shower) if it's comfortable. I actually wish I'd thought to get in the shower (unfortunately, we'd probably already used all the hot water to fill up the pool).

 

[Teri7489]

Thank you for your reply. That has made me feel so much better. I know I relax a lot better in the bath with pain (have several back and hip issues ) so hoping to be able to bathe at home, then use Tens before heading to the hospital when I really need to. It would be great to have the pool if possible but don't want my heart set on it incase it doesn't happen. Will request to use the bath or shower in the hospital now xxx