water birth and BMI

[titch]

I just watched this clip http://lifebegins.channel4.com/birt.../water/expectant-parents-visit-the-pool-room/ and the midwife says you have to have a 'normal' BMI to use the birthing pool. My BMI is 31 but Im still under midwiery led care and 'low risk' cos my blood pressure is perfect and Ive passed a glucose tollerance test with absolutely no concerns.

Has anyone else used a birthing pool with a high BMI? I dont really weigh that much cos im really short so Im not gonna break the pool or anything and I cant see why I'd not be able to use it if Im 'low risk'... Im a bit distraught about it cos I really want a water birth!

thought please ladies!

 

[Mervs Mum]

I think the reason they have the restrictions in birth centres and hospitals is if you are particularly heavy and the MWs needed you out in a hurry for some reason they might struggle to lift you. I think it's a health and safety issue for them rather than a genuine health issue for you IYSWIM?

 

[titch]

okay that makes sense, surely it should be weight limit and not BMI then? by the way, just weighed myself, my BMI is 30 now... posted a thread in 2nd trimester.

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

My BMI was 27.5 which puts me at being overweight, which is ridiculous as Im not - Im 5ft 10 and a totally normal weight for my height. BMI's dont take into account build/size if you ask me

 

[titch]

yeah BMIs are really unforgiving when you're 5ft 1!! When you look at ideal weight for height charts the 'okay' range gets very narrow towards the short end of the scale!

 

[Mervs Mum]

I wonder if BMI's are more 'politically correct' than actual weight restrictions?

 

[titch]

could be onto something there!

 

[titch]

just worked out if I was an 'average' height of 5ft7 my BMI would be 26.2. at the lower end of overweight. So on a practical level for lifting someone out of the water they'd have more difficulties with a tall lady with a BMI of say... 24 than me. I might raise that one when I demand my water birth!

 

[Mervs Mum]

It's like having to put an actual weight that's classed as 'fat' or 'too heavy'......my BMI is 27 ATM and I am far from a ballerina!