Water Birth

What is a Water Birth?

A water birth is a birth underwater. A few hospitals offer this option. You need to check with your care provider to see if it’s a possibility at your hospital. Free-standing birth centers tend to offer underwater births more frequently. You can also have an underwater birth at home--either in your own bathtub or in a plastic pool in your backyard.

Benefits

• Water births are very gentle and peaceful births. Proponents claim they are less traumatic to the babies and mothers than any other type of birth. Women who have experienced an underwater birth will not give birth any other way.
• Water births are less painful than other births and can be as effective answer to pain relief as an epidural without any of the risks and side-effects.
  • The buoyancy created by water decreases body weight, allowing for free movement and new positioning. Additionally, it promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in less pain for the mother and more oxygen for the baby.
  • You can remain as relaxed as possible between and during contractions. The more relaxed you are, the easier and less painful labor is. Additionally, if you’re relaxed, your labor might be shorter. Many women are so relaxed in birthing tubs that they actually sleep between contractions.
  • As you grow more relaxed physically, you relax mentally and can concentrate your efforts on the birthing process.
  • The water provides a sense of privacy, decreasing anxieties and inhibitions, and relaxes you further.
• Episiotomies are decreased because the water softens the tissues surrounding the perineum, making them more pliable and able to stretch.
• If your partner or birthing coach is willing, they might be able to be in the tub with you, supporting you, holding you, and loving you.

Safety

Yes, water births are safe when supervised by a doctor or midwife who knows what he or she is doing. The biggest concern everyone has is whether the baby will drown during birth; however, there is little need for concern because most babies do not take their first breath until they are surrounded by air.

There are other minimal risks you need to go over with your care provider before deciding on a underwater birth.

Can Anyone Have a Water Birth?

It depends on your care provider. Many of physicians and midwives have strict rules. You will need to have a low-risk pregnancy and no potential complications to you giving birth. However, if this birthing option is unavailable to you, talk to your care provider about laboring in the tub and getting out when it comes time to give birth.

Drawbacks

• Water births can be messy, especially if the placenta is born in the water.
• Many first time moms find it difficult to push in the water—they have problems getting enough leverage to push.
• You cannot have an underwater birth if you want an epidural or narcotics; however, most women do not need pain medicine during a water birth.
• There are potential complications you will want to discuss with your care provider and strict guidelines they will want you to follow.

In Conclusion

Water births are gentle and peaceful ways to give birth. They are usually less traumatic to mothers and babies and wonderful ways to start families. If you want this birth option, talk to your hospital and health care provider about this option.