When preparing a birth plan, some women may consider the appropriateness of a water birth. During a water birth, the mother relaxes in a tub of water that is approximately 95 to 100 degrees F anytime after she reaches 5 centimeters dilation. According to Waterbirth International, water any hotter than 100 degrees F will raise the mother's temperature and increase the fetal heart rate. When the baby is born, she is taken out of the water immediately and cuddled by mom or dad. The levels of prostaglandin E2 from the placenta prevent the baby from inhaling water, which decreases the risk of complications from the water birth.
Baby
A water birth can help minimize the stress on the baby associated with the birth. Benefits start prior to the actual birth because the baby gets more oxygen than with a traditional birth. Instead of being born into a space with only open air and bright lights, he is born into a calm and relaxing environment that is similar to that of the womb. According to the American Pregnancy Association, this ease of transition provides the baby with added security.
Mother
A more relaxing and comfortable labor are two benefits of a water birth for the mother. This is partly due to the buoyancy of the water, which allows more freedom of motion than with traditional labor. A water birth also increases oxygenation, which decrease the pain associated with the labor. Endorphin levels, which may be limited by stress during a traditional birth, are higher in a water birth. This, along with the increased oxygenation level, may cause more efficient contractions, which equates to a shorter labor. Because water keeps the perineum soft, tearing is less likely during a water birth.
Considerations
While the benefits of a water birth may appeal to you, there are some situations in which a woman and her baby are safer having a traditional birth. A woman whose baby is breech, preterm or is pregnant with multiples should forgo a water birth. Additionally, a woman who has an infection, herpes, excessive bleeding, preeclampsia or toxemia is an unlikely candidate for a water birth. The presence of a significant amount of meconium will usually contraindicate a water birth.
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