Practices in different hospitals vary, but if there are factors which complicate the birth in any way, midwives will probably advise caution in the use of the pool. In certain circumstances they might be happy to support a woman labouring in water, but then help her out of the pool for the delivery. This could be the case if:

• You are expecting more than one baby
• Your baby is in a breech position
• You are suffering from mild pre-eclampsia

It might be considered safer for you not to use a birth pool during labour at all if you or your baby may need treatments that may be difficult to administer in water, for example, if:

• Your baby has shown signs of stress
• It is more than 24 hours since your membranes ruptured
• Your labour was induced with the use of prostaglandins
• You have received sedative drugs, such as pethidine
• Your labour is premature
• There has been recent bleeding

Where to next?

• Return to main Waterbirths page
• Join our Labour and birth discussion forum and chat to other expectant parents
• Stay healthy in pregnancy, check our guidelines