Water birth

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a bath of hot water. Some women prefer to labor in the water and go out to give birth. Other women also decide to stay in the water to give birth. The theory behind water birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid for nine months, giving birth in a similar environment is more gentle for the baby and less stressful for the mother.

What are the potential benefits of water birth?

Benefits for mother:

Warm water is soothing, comforting, relaxing.
Water has been proven to increase a woman's energy in the later stages of labor.
The buoyancy effect reduces the weight of the mother's body, providing freedom of movement and a new position.
Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
Immersion in water often helps reduce high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
Water appears to lower stress-related hormones by allowing the mother's body to produce endorphins that act as pain inhibitors.
Water makes the perineum more elastic and relaxed, reducing the frequency and severity of tears and the need for episiotomy and suturing.
When a woman in labor relaxes physically, she can also relax mentally, which allows her to better focus on the birth process.
Because water gives a greater sense of closeness, it can reduce inhibitions, worries, and fears.

Benefits for the child:

Provides an environment similar to an amniotic sac.
Relieves the stress of childbirth, increasing comfort and a sense of security.

What are the risks for mother and child?

Over the past 30 years, despite the rise in popularity of water births, very little research has been done on the risks of water births. Several studies in Europe have shown similar perinatal mortality rates for water births and conventional births.

Theoretically, there may be a risk of water embolism, which occurs when water enters the mother's bloodstream.

There is a risk of water aspiration.

If the baby experiences tension in the birth canal or the umbilical cord becomes twisted or twisted, the baby may choke with the possibility of inhaling water.

This would be a rare occurrence since babies usually do not inhale until they are exposed to air. They continue to receive oxygen through the umbilical cord until they can breathe on their own or until the umbilical cord is cut. The last potential risk is that the umbilical cord may break when the baby is brought to the surface of the water. This can be avoided by carefully bringing the baby to the mother's breast.

What situations are not ideal for a water birth?

If you have herpes: Herpes is easily transmitted by water, so you should discuss this risk in detail with your doctor.
If your baby is in a breech presentation: Although the water birth was performed in the buttocks or feet first, you should carefully discuss this risk with your doctor.
If you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions: heavy bleeding or maternal infection.
If you have twins: Although water births have been successful worldwide with twins, you should carefully discuss this risk with your doctor.
If preterm birth is expected: If the baby is premature (two weeks or more before due date), water birth is not recommended.
If severe meconium is present: Mild to moderate meconium is normal. Because meconium floats to the surface in the bath, your doctor will monitor it and remove it immediately or help you get out of the bath. Meconium is usually washed off the baby's face and even comes out of the nose and mouth while the baby is still under water. If the water is colored and childbirth is imminent, the woman may raise her pelvis out of the water to give birth.
If you suffer from toxemia or preeclampsia: You should discuss this risk in detail with your doctor.

I thought spas and hot tubs could be dangerous during pregnancy?

The risk is temperature dependent. If the water is too hot, dehydration and overheating become a risk for you and your baby. You should try to stay hydrated and keep the water temperature at 36 degrees Celsius. Maternity pools are specially designed to prevent this problem.

How to prepare for a water birth:

Check with your doctor first. They may already be equipped for a water birth in a special tub, or they may know of a place in your area that is equipped to do so.
If you are planning to give birth in a hospital, make sure their policies allow water births. More and more hospitals are accepting parents who want to give birth in water.