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Tub for laboring

Nae0129Nae0129
in 3rd Trimester
Is anyone planning on using the tub or have used the tub for laboring? I talked with my Dr. about options other than an epi only because I don't want to be stuck in bed like I was with DD. He suggested laboring in the tub (not delivering), then I could get an iv of meds for the delivery. I'm really on the fence with this one because it's not like I can be covered up, right? It does sound relaxing though and my Dr. said that it can really help with progressing labor. Has anyone done this, or plan to do this?
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Re: Tub for laboring

  • Allie30Allie30 member
    In my hospital all the rooms have tubs. I don't think you can view a tub as an "alternative" to an epidural, though! My question would be why you prefer IV narcotics that will effect that baby far more than an epi?
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  • HyfagalHyfagal member
    Most women that I've seen laboring in a tub wear a sports bra or tankini top for a little modesty while they're in the water.
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  • missfiremissfire member

    I had a water birth (with a midwife in a birth center, not in a hospital) and it was great. By the time I got in I didn't care about modesty anymore. But I had packed a 2-piece maternity swimsuit that I thought I would be wearing in the tub. Then it's easy enoughto remove the bottoms for internal checks.

    It can be really great for helping you relax, helping your tissues soften so you're less likely to tear, and helping you get into a position that better allows the baby to descend.

     

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  • steveandbernadettesteveandbernadette

    when i talked to my OB about laboring in a tub he actually told me to try and hold off coming to the hospital and laboring as long as possible in my own tub at home for a few different reasons: a. there are only a few rooms in L&D that have tubs, b. he was honest and said they weren't very user friendly and c. i would have a little more independence at home as i wouldn't have to get out every hour for checks. 

    i agree with other posters that modesty would be out the window by that point (don't worry though, that was something i definitely thought about too) i think if i was in the hospital i would just wear a bra or swim top.

    i also agree that if your going to take drugs, just do the epi! that's my plan anyway: try to labor at home as long as i feel comfortable and then go for the epi when i'm at the hospital. it lasts longer than IV drugs and like someone else said, does not affect baby.  

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  • germanbaby2germanbaby2

    I labored in a birthing tub at my hospital's birthing center.  When you're in labor, you don't really care so much about modesty (or maybe that's me).  That said, you can buy or make a birthing skirt https://www.mom4life.com/catalog.php?item=904, for example.  Or you can just wear a pregnancy skirt that's flexible.

    I LOVED the tub and would recommend it.  I wouldn't recommend laying down during labor which are necessities with epidurals.  That is the least helpful or comfortable position a laboring woman can experience (and I know).

    That's my two cents.

    Happy birthing! 

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