What you need to know about water birth
We look at
the benefits of water birth and when it becomes risky to give birth using
this delivery method.
There are different options for giving birth, and one of them is water birth.
Let’s learn more about it.
Definition of water birth
Having a water birth means the labour and sometimes delivery occurs in a birthing pool. The mother will be submerged in warm water as soon as her contractions start. However, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, it is not advisable to deliver the baby in the water. So, as soon as a woman is fully dilated, she should get out of the tub. The advantage of this is that, in the event of an emergency, the woman doesn't have to take time getting out of the tub. However, this is entirely dependent on the pregnant mother and the midwife.
Why are so many women choosing water birth?
Water birth comes with benefits that can help the mother have a better labour experience.
However, it is important to know that water birth might not be a safe option for everyone.
READ: Report: Nearly half of all pregnancies worldwide are unintended
WebMd cautions people who fall under the below category as high risks.
- Woman who are younger than 17
- Woman who are older than 35
- Women who suffer from diabetes.
- Women who suffer from preeclampsia
- Women who are pregnant with more than one child.
- When the baby is in breech position.
- When the child is premature.
- When a woman is carrying a big baby.
- When the mother needs to be constantly monitored and the tub makes it difficult to do so.
- When the mother has an infection.
Other women who might be at risk are those who experienced complications during the pregnancy.
Benefits of water birth
Let’s look
at some of the benefits that come with water birth:
- It helps ease pain during the first stage of labour.
- The mother is less likely to have vaginal tear.
- Water birth might keep you from needing anaesthesia.
- It may also shorten your labour.
- The mother can have more pushing positions than on a bed.
- The warm bath will make the woman feel more relaxed and in control.
A benefit for the baby is that babies are in a water environment in a uterus and are being born into a water environment during water birth.
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