Hi

Im thinking about having a water birth and was wondering whether it really does lessen the pain - the midwife explained that I may be able to have gas and air but not pethidine. It would be great to hear from anybody about their experiences in this area?
Regards

Denise
23wks

Hi Denise, I had a waterbirth for my second baby and I would recommend it to everyone!! the first baby I had took a long time to come, I had 2 shots of pethadine and didnt enjoy it at all. Second time round I was a lot faster, baby came in 3 1/2 hours, just enough time to get to the hospital and fill the bath, but so worth it. The water is lovely and warm, and the pain is a lot more bearable, baby comes out cleaner, and you feel so much better, as long as you can deal with just Gas & Air.
Good luck!
Emma

Hi Denise, i agree whole-heartedly with emma, a water birth is a lovely relaxing (yes thats right) experience which is so worthwhile!!! you can either just labour in the water which deffinately helps or give birth in there too, and really you do only just need gas and air, all i had and the pain was very copable with! just make sure you are well into labour before getting in the tub otherwise it has the opposite effect and slows things down dramatically, and make sure that you get out of the tub a few times too, a walk around for 10 mins or so makes sure that things keep doing what they should! Im having a home waterbirth this time round and my midwife is all for it which is great as i encountered alot of pressure to go to hospital from the consultant etc this time round, im having baby no.6 you see!!! but at the end of the day, its YOUR choice, good luck with what you choose and i wish you a healthy and happy pregnancy and baby outcome!!! xxxx