Water birth, giving birth to a baby in a pool or tub of water instead of on a bed or table in a hospital delivery room, is a growing trend among pregnant women all over the world. According to Waterbirth International, over 90 countries have waterbirth facilities at hospitals or birth centers.
Theory
The idea behind water birth is that babies born into water undergo less stress during the delivery than if they exit the warm, wet womb straight into dry, cold air. Because the tub or pool mimics the conditions of the womb, a baby born into water may feel more relaxed, making the initial bonding and breastfeeding process easier immediately after birth. The process of water birth may prove more relaxing and less painful for the mother than traditional delivery methods.
Procedure
During a water birth, the laboring mother may choose to spend all or part of her labor in a tub or pool filled with warm water. According to the What to Expect website, the water is typically heated to between 95 and 100 degrees. At the moment of birth, the baby emerges into the water and then slowly lifted into the mother's arms. The baby may be monitored by a doctor or midwife using an underwater Doppler machine. Some hospitals or birth center offer water births or parents can do them at home using a purchased or rented birthing tub or birthing pool.
Safety
Water birth proves as safe or safer than traditional vaginal delivery in a hospital setting for women with no previous health conditions. In an Austrian case study in 2002 entitled " Effects of water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes", women who had water births had lower rates of vaginal trauma, episiotomies, administration of oxytocin, postpartum hemorrhage, infections after delivery and the need for manual removal of the placenta than their peers who experienced normal vaginal deliveries. Babies born during water births did not have any statistically significant differences in their health after birth compared to babies born out of water. Water birth may prove particularly helpful for mothers who have previously delivered via Caesarian or had an induction for a previous birth.
Advantages
Proponents of water birth tout many advantages to this birth option. The ability to move freely within the water during labor and birth proves one reason some pregnant women opt for laboring and giving birth in water. Water birth is also viewed as a gentle, natural style of birth that eases the newborn into his new life and avoids medical intervention.
Considerations
Water births aren't for everyone. Women who present a high risk for complications during their pregnancy should not choose a water birth, since being in the water during labor makes monitoring difficult. Others may feel uncomfortable with a water birth if they prefer a more medically directed birth experience. For those who do choose a water birth, they should take care to make sure the facility where the birth takes place is sanitary and follows good hygiene practices. A back-up plan in case of an unexpected emergency should be thought out beforehand.
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