You'll be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor and midwife, and find out why they think your labour should be induced. If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks and you decide not to have your labour induced, you should be offered increased monitoring to check your baby's wellbeing. Induction will be offered if you do not go into labour naturally by 42 weeks, as there will be a higher risk of stillbirth or problems for the baby. If your waters break more than 24 hours before labour starts, there's an increased risk of infection to you and your baby.
If your waters break after 34 weeks, you'll have the choice of induction or expectant management. Expectant management is when your healthcare professionals monitor your condition and your baby's wellbeing, and your pregnancy can progress naturally as long as it's safe for both of you. Your midwife or doctor should discuss your options with you before you make a decision.
They should also let you know about the newborn neonatal special care hospital facilities in your area. If your baby is born earlier than 37 weeks, they may be vulnerable to problems related to being premature. If your waters break before 34 weeks, you'll only be offered induction if there are other factors that suggest it's the best thing for you and your baby.
You may be offered an induction if you have a condition that means it'll be safer to have your baby sooner, such as diabetes , high blood pressure or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. If this is the case, your doctor and midwife will explain your options to you so you can decide whether or not to have your labour induced.
Before inducing labour, you'll be offered a membrane sweep, also known as a cervical sweep, to bring on labour. To carry out a membrane sweep, your midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around your cervix during an internal examination. This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix.
Where do I start if I want a water birth at home? What could prevent me having a water birth once I'm in labour? Where can I find out more about water birth? Immersion in water in labour and birth. Assessed as up-to-date August How to Midwives Garland D. Efficacy of warm showers on labor pain and birth experiences during the first labor stage. Water VBAC: exploring a new frontier for women's autonomy.
Induction of labour. Intrapartum care: care of healthy women and their babies during childbirth. Supervisors of midwives: how they can help you. Public Health England advice on home birthing pools. Struggling to get into the pool room. It is an effective pain reliever — women use less epidural or spinal pain relief when they have access to water. It might make the first stage of labour shorter and one study said it shortened labour by almost two hours. Less or equal blood loss. Cluett et al, ; Dekker, ; RCM, ; Ulfsdottir et al, Can water births prevent tearing, episiotomy or interventions?
Are water births safe for the baby? What are the potential risks of a water birth? Can you have water births with gas and air, TENS, epidurals or pethidine? Can I have a water birth if I have herpes?
Can I have a water birth if I have gestational diabetes? Can I have a water birth if I am due to be induced? This page was last reviewed in March Further information Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: Show references.
Information you can trust from NCT When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust. Share this. Related articles. Baby First Aid Find out more. Leave this field blank. Support NCT Charity by becoming a member. Join today. Water birth What is water birth? Is water birth available at Mater Mothers' Hospital? Am I eligible? To have a water birth you must meet certain eligibility criteria: Able to provide consent.
Be in spontaneous labour between 37 and 42 weeks pregnant. Be pregnant with only one baby. The position of your baby is facing head down. Pose a low obstetric risk. What practical things can I do to prepare myself? Try having a bath at home, going swimming or attending pregnancy aqua-aerobics to see if you like the sensation of being in the water.
Enter the bath only when contractions are stong and regular. Keep your bottom under water during the pushing stage of labour until baby is born. Are there any concerns associated with water birth? Exiting the bath It can sometimes be difficult to get out of the bath, particulary in advanced labour or after the birth of your baby.
Unpredictable emergencies Your midwife or doctor may ask you to exit the bath in the event of an emergency. Overheating If you develop a temperature, your midwife will ask you to exit the bath. Breathing after birth When a baby is born the breathing reflex is initiated by light, sound and temperature.
Infection Although there is no evidence of increased risk of infection for babies who are born under water, there have been a few cases of babies who were diagnosed with infections. Umbilical cord Your baby's cord may snap under water causing your baby to lose blood until the cord is clamped. Important points to remeber if you are planning a water birth: Exit the bath regularly to empty your bladder.
Keep hydrated by having sips of water regularly throughout labour. If the temperature of the bath is too hot or cold, or if you feel uncomfortable, you can exit the bath at any time or ask your midwife to adjust the water temperature.
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