Pregnant Women Advised Not To Use Pre-Heated Birthing Pools
On the 9th August 2017 Public Health England published guidance for midwives to advise pregnant women considering using a home birthing pool.
It states that following the discovery of a new born baby with Legionnaires’ disease that ‘Legionnaires’ disease has been associated with the use of a certain type of birthing pool.’ The birthing pools in question are ones that are pre-filled, potentially weeks in advance of labour, and are kept warm using heaters and recirculation pumps.
The guidance goes on to say that it is not all birthing pools are considered high risk and that traditional birthing pools that are filled once the woman goes into labour and not kept warm are considered safe. Fixed birthing pools in NHS units are also considered to be safe due to the strict control measures in place.
For more information:
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