A water birth is a birthing technique involving labor and delivery in a warm tub of water, thought to be a similar environment to a fetus' existence in the amniotic fluid. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a water birth may also be more relaxing for mothers and may even decrease elevated blood pressure due to stress. While some women opt to get out of the tub at the moment of delivery, others remain in the water for the entire process. The American Pregnancy Association advises researching the pros and cons of a water birth to decide if it is right for you.
Step 1
Consult with your doctor or health care facility. If you plan to have your baby at a hospital, be sure that the hospital is equipped for--and approves--a water birth. If not, the American Pregnancy Association says you can rent a birthing tub for home use, though your labor and delivery should take place under the supervision of a health care provider.
Step 2
Know the appropriate water temperature. Although the temperature can be adjusted based on your comfort, it should stay in the range of 95 and 100 degrees F, reports BellyBelly.com.au. The temperature should not go higher than 101 degrees F, as this may increase your body temperature and elevate your baby's body temperature.
Step 3
Keep plenty of water and cooling cloths nearby. You'll want to rehydrate as you are laboring, and you can also keep your body temperature stable by adding cool cloths to your face and neck area. Another option is to have a spray "mist" bottle filled with water to cool you off as you labor.
Step 4
Know when to get into the tub. Your health care provider will advise you on this, but generally, hospitals advise that you enter the tub when your cervix is dilated 5 mm, according to BellyBelly.com.au. Some women prefer to enter the water sooner to calm and relax them, but entering the tub too soon may have the unwanted effect of slowing labor.
Step 5
Understand the timeline for removing the baby from the water. According to BellyBelly.com.au, most practitioners usually remove the baby from the water within 10 seconds of birth. Because the baby is still receiving oxygen from the placenta, he can still breathe, but this oxygen supply could be cut off suddenly. BellyBelly.com.au reports that while there is not a need to hurry, there is also no need to leave the baby under the water for any extended time.
