This information is brought to you by Prega News. They say that motherhood can really change a person. Although there will be great, unimaginable and extraordinary moments during carrying your baby for 9 months or the lifelong process of bringing your baby up, there will be no other day like the day he comes into this world. Giving birth is a complicated process but a wonderful one as well. While water birth isn’t the most popular form of giving birth, it is slowly gaining momentum. If you wish to know more about water births, you’ve come to the right place.

What is water birth?

A natural form of birthing, water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub or a large bucket of warm water. Although not a very popular method of giving birth in India, many women are slowly warming up to the idea of water births. Some women choose to go through labour in the water and only step out for delivery while some women stay in the water for delivery as well. A water birth should only be conducted in the presence and supervision of a qualified midwife or doctor.

Benefits of water birth:

One may wonder what exactly the benefit of this type of delivery process provides for the mother and the baby. It is believed that since the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid for 9 months, birthing him in water will make him much calmer as it will be a similar environment for him. It is also believed to be less exhausting and stressful for the mother. Doctors, midwives, and other medical experts are of the belief that water births help in reducing fetal complications and problems.

Other benefits

• Warm water provides relief to stressed muscles.
• Studies have shown that in the latter stages of labour, the water spikes up the woman’s energy levels.
• The mother’s weight is lessened by the water’s buoyancy which helps her move freely as compared to if she were in a bed.
• The water’s buoyancy also improves blood circulation & reduces body pain.
• The water decreases high blood pressure.
• Water can help the perineum (the area between the anus & vulva) become more elastic, which decreases the chances of excessive tearing.
• It helps the mother relax physically & mentally which in turn will help her in the birthing process.

Are there any risks involved?

According to American Pregnancy Association, there has been very little research on the topic of water birth, although it has gained popularity in the last 30 years. In an article published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there might be a situation wherein water enters the mother’s bloodstream in a process called water embolism. However, this is a very rare occurrence. It may so happen that if the baby is facing complications in the birth canal or the umbilical cord is twisted, he might gasp for air. This is when he might consume a small dose of water. This would also be a rare phenomenon as babies generally do not inhale until they are exposed to air. They receive oxygen from the umbilical cord until then can breathe on their own. There is one more risk involved in water birth. The umbilical cord could suddenly snap off when the baby is brought out of the water. To avoid this, the baby has to be lifted cautiously towards the mother’s chest.

How to get ready for a water birth:

• While most women prefer this kind of birth to take place at home, please do check with your healthcare provider as they may have facilities to suit your requirements.
• If you want to give birth in the hospital, please ensure beforehand that the hospital permits water births.
• Invest in or rent a huge tub for the birthing process. Remember that you need a lot of space for free movement and for the baby to come out comfortably. Make sure that the tub doesn’t constrict your movement.
• Consult your doctor to see if your pregnancy is conducive for this type of birthing process

Unfavourable situations for water birth:

• Although some women have chosen to go through with the process even if their baby is in the breech position, it is recommended that mothers avoid it.
• If you have herpes, there are chances that you can transfer it to your baby.
• Giving birth to twins or multiples in this process in not impossible but it isn’t considered to be the safest way to give birth either.
• If you have been diagnosed with excessive bleeding, please avoid water birth.
• If your baby is arriving earlier than expected, water birth is definitely not the mode for you as premature babies need extra medical care and attention.

Source - American Pregnancy Association

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