1st homebirth coming up! Hot tub question?

[diane1969]

I'm due December 19th. I decided a month or so ago that I'd like to birth at home with this our 3rd and final child.

Question... has anyone labored in a hot tub? Can I labor in a hot tub? Ya know, a standard jetted hot tub, outside, that is chlorinated. NOT deliver in there, but just labor. Throughout the pregnancy we have had the temperature set at 98.

Any experience or tips or warnings would be greatly appreciated!

[OTMomma]

I think it would be fine until after your water breaks- then I'm not sure if the chlorine and chemicals could be an issue, but I'd probably not want to labor in there after that.

[twogreencars]

I've got a Spa n a box hot tub for the birth and I've been hanging out in it at 97/98 F and plan to labour in it, too! It's really really clean and freshly filled ... and inside!

[pigpokey]

Yes you can IMO. Your midwife if you have one may not want you to birth in it if it is cold in case she has to "work on" the baby. Otherwise -- around here nobody worries about the chemicals used to keep the water clean in hot tub births that I am aware of. I would keep them to a minimum safe level.