Thinking about buying a secondhand birth pool? Before purchasing, learn how to check the model, condition, previous use, and included accessories—and which supplies you should replace before your birth.

You can plan your dream waterbirth and still prepare for the unexpected. From a pool that isn’t ready in time to fast labor, changing your mind, or needing to transfer, having a Plan B doesn’t mean expecting something to go wrong—it means feeling confident no matter how birth unfolds.