In fact, " labor pains are just as present in the water birth pools as they are anywhere else, but the environment is more relaxing and soothing therefore offering a more pleasurable experience," says David Ghozland, M. Water births also come with a host of risks and potential complications, some of which can be serious. These range from infection to meconium aspiration to drowning.
To clear common misconceptions, here's everything parents-to-be need to know about giving birth in water. An uncomplicated pregnancy low blood pressure, over 37 weeks gestation, baby with a head down, etc. There are certain circumstances in which women should not choose water birth.
Marra Francis, M. Of course, always talk to your health care provider to understand the full risks and reality of your choices. Water birth is a very personal decision, one that requires much thought and research—because there's more to water birth than the tub. The organization said that while immersion during the first stage of labor may have benefits, "there are insufficient data on which to draw conclusions regarding the relative benefits and risks of immersion in water during the second stage of labor and delivery.
Therefore, until such data are available, it is the recommendation of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that birth occur on land, not in water," according to a November Commitee Opinion by ACOG. However, professional organizations like the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the American College of Nurse—Midwives support water births in certain situations.
This process includes ongoing maternal and fetal assessment as labor progresses". What's more, a December study from the University of Michigan compared water births with land births.
It found that the birthing practices were equally safe, "and that women in the water group sustain fewer first and second-degree tears," according to the statement. Land births and water births also had comparable postpartum hemorrhage rates and neonatal intensive care admissions. Contrary to lingering misconceptions, water birth is not just a fad among celebrities. Increasingly, more and more people are noting the benefits of water birth. Many mothers claim that unmedicated water births lessen the pain of labor and delivery , thanks to the buoyancy of the water.
Barbara Harper, R. When women get into the deep water of a birth pool, not just a shallow bathtub, there is a chemical and hormonal response that adjusts the level of the hormone oxytocin, which pumps from the brain and helps regulate the intensity of the contractions.
So, as the body becomes buoyant in the deep water and more oxytocin is released, more pain-inhibiting endorphins flood the mother's brain, putting her more quickly into an altered state of consciousness and allowing her body to do the work that it needs to do.
What's more, Harper and Collins say, water causes the perineum to become more relaxed, which can reduce the severity of vaginal tearing. Even though steps are taken to avoid serious outcomes, and advocates state that home water birth is safe, Patrick Weix, M. Water births themselves are not significantly more dangerous than birth out of water , but when they take place at home—and most of them do—there is an increased risk.
That's because there's no immediate medical help with home water births. Here are some important water birth risks to know. Water birth means sitting, pushing, and delivering in a tub—which often includes feces in the tub.
A baby born in that environment could possibly swallow the contaminated water, increasing their risk of infection. Depending on whom you ask, the likelihood of an infection differs because data is limited.
However, "there is no way to make the water contaminant free,"says Dr. There are several studies that have been done on the potential benefits of water births. Some women have found giving birth in water to be soothing, helping to ease stress and even calm their newborn baby. Some of the benefits women have reported include:. Warm baths are already an everyday way to relax. Since the warm water in the birthing tub can help with relaxation, it may also trigger the release of more endorphins and improve blood flow to the uterine muscles, which can help you naturally handle labor pains.
Some women find that being able to feel the process of birth, with a manageable level of pain, makes them feel more present and connected to the event.
Water birth can be a great choice for moms who want to manage their birth experience naturally, but there are some potential disadvantages to be aware of. Water labors and births are generally only recommended for women with low-risk, single pregnancies, and who have reached term. This is because any complication during labor or delivery can be further complicated by the need to get the mother safely out of the water. While there have been several studies on the potential benefits of hydrotherapy and water births, experts agree that more research needs to be done.
Plus, many say more research is especially needed on the potential risks of delivering in water. ACNM also acknowledges that more research is needed on the effects of water immersion, specifically during the second and third stages of labor — which includes delivering the baby, as well as the placenta.
The time that the baby spends underwater during a water birth is often a top concern for many care professionals. You would need to come out of the water, however, if you need an intervention such as ventouse or forceps. But aside from that a water birth could actually be of benefit.
And one may improve overall outcomes for the mother and baby. You will have access to gas and air in a birthing pool. While it may not be for everyone, there are numerous reasons to consider a water birth. The importance of this is due to the fact that the optimal interaction of the hormones needed for labour to progress well rely on the woman feeling safe and private; anything perceived by her to be an invasion or giving her alarm may cause labour to slow down or stop. If there are concerns that the mother will bleed she will require a normal birth.
A water birth can make some parts of the delivery harder for the medical professionals. This is with a view to further monitoring or intervention if required.
This is because of the need to monitor the epidural site and keep it sterile and secure. You can get back in after a couple of hours once the effects of the injection have worn off. Hospitals have fully equipped birthing suites and some women feel safer in a hospital environment as there is quick access to intervention should they need it.
Many hospitals have private birthing suites.
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