Everything There Is To Know About Water Birth

In recent years  , more and more women are choosing to have different types of births. Thus, many pregnant women decide to give birth at home or opt for a water birth. Water birth is actually an option that has become more popular, although not all clinics allow it or have the necessary equipment for it.

In this article you will have the opportunity to learn more about water birth including its pros and cons that one should consider.

Water birth

According to the Midwives Association in Spain, “immersion in water is an effective method of relieving pain during childbirth, especially in the last phase of the first stage of childbirth”. It consists of giving birth while the woman’s stomach is immersed in water.

The primary goal of a water birth is thus to relieve pain. Immersion in water is considered to the extent of non-pharmacological treatment of pain, which allows the pregnant woman to be in control.

This method was first studied in the United Kingdom. Experts concluded that it is so beneficial that immersion in water should be available in all hospitals and clinics during this procedure.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in most countries. In other words, not all hospitals have the specific food vessels or equipment such as wireless CTG devices.

What does a water birth consist of?

First, it is necessary to have the necessary equipment to be able to choose this type of birth  as well as the presence of a doctor or midwife.

• The temperature in the feeding vessel should be 37 degrees. If the temperature is lower, the woman may not want to relax. However, if it is higher, it can also be counterproductive. It is not recommended that pregnant women stay in the water for more than 90 minutes at a time. She must thus go up and in again.
• The water should cover her stomach. In other words, it should reach up to her chest.
• In addition  , it is best for her to go down into the feeding trough when she is between three and five inches wide. However, there is no evidence as to whether it is best at one time rather than another. Immersion is indicated for the expansion stage. Many people therefore prefer not to stay in the water during the birth itself.
• The necessary equipment must be at hand. For example, it could be  a wireless recorder to see if the baby is doing well. If this is the case, the specialist can ask the mother if she wants to give birth in the tub or not.

• If the mother chooses to stay in the water,  there is no evidence that this type of birth is better than a birth out of water. In any case, one should know that the baby is breathing through the umbilical cord until the moment when it is cut across. There is therefore no risk of the baby drowning.

The benefits of a water birth

According to the International Confederation of Midwives, the benefits of staying in water during the expansion phase are as follows:

• Better relaxation in the groin, vagina and uterus.
• It facilitates movement and adjustment of positions, which promotes the fetus to be able to move down (squat and on knees).

• Water therapy can shorten the expansion stage.
• The fetus benefits from a relaxed mother  as it maximizes oxygen to the placenta.
• It also facilitates relaxation due to weightlessness. In addition, the mild vasodilation that occurs in water  also lowers blood pressure and increases the mother’s heart rate,  causing an increase in oxygen in the uterus and in the fetus.
• In terms of birth, water promotes the baby’s transfer from the amniotic fluid to the outside world.
• In most cases  , relaxation and pain relief allow for a natural birth without pain relief.

What are the risks and disadvantages?

There are a few disadvantages such as:

• An increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage.
• If there are complications, the woman must get out of the water in order to receive medical care.
• It can be uncomfortable to get in and out of the tub.

Conclusions

Water birth seems to have more advantages than disadvantages. Still, it  depends on each pregnancy and whether it is risky or there are complications. In that sense, the doctor will decide if it is recommended or not.

In addition, a water birth has another advantage. The expectant mother is able to make decisions about how she wants to give birth to her child. It can make her much more confident during childbirth.