Anyone for a water birth? The pros and cons

Water births are gradually gaining local popularity. Just like the name suggests, birth takes place in water, warm water in this case.

This can either take place in a bathtub, or in any other pool of water. If not keen on giving birth in water, you can labour in it, and then get out for delivery.

Those who advocate for a water birth argue that because the baby is already used to amniotic fluid, delivering in a similar surrounding is gentler for him or her. Though safe, it should always take place under the supervision of skilled health personnel such as a midwife, or obstetrician.

Benefits

•   Water eases the stress associated with birth, therefore increasing a sense of security and comfort for the baby.

•   The soothing effect of warm water helps to relax the mothers muscles, and in the process speeds up the labour process.

•   The natural buoyancy of water makes the mother feel lighter and allows new positioning and free movement.

•   Water creates a greater sense of privacy, something that may reduce fear, anxiety, and inhibition.

•   It helps the labouring mother to relax mentally and physically, allowing her to focus more on the process of giving birth. Water may also help the body to produce less adrenaline (stress hormones) and release more of the oxytocin (labour hormone); this makes the labour contractions stronger and regular.

•   The mother has a sense of control over the delivery - water has been shown to boost energy during the last stages of labour.

Before you choose to deliver in water though, consult your doctor to ensure that the method is safe and suitable for you. Only women who have had a healthy pregnancy and free of any pregnancy-related complications should consider having a water birth.

Some of the reasons that may make water birth inappropriate include: Premature delivery, baby’s unstable heart beat, excessive bleeding or infections such as herpes which can pass to the baby through the water, preeclampsia or toxemia (bacteria in the bloodstream) or if expecting twins.

RISKS

Water birth is safe, but it is important to discuss with your attendant the risks that may be involved with this method.

Here are some:

• The baby may get infected in case you pass waste during delivery. However, this is normal, and the attendant should be quick in preventing such an infection. If anything, ward births are not totally sterile either.

•   Other risks may include brain injury due to insufficient oxygen underwater.

• Other risks may include brain injury due to insufficient oxygen underwater.

PRECAUTIONS

The following should be observed to ensure that the birth is safe

• Make sure that the doctor, midwife, or nurse who attends to you is properly trained.

• Ensure that the pool and the water are clean. The water temperature should also be right.

• Have a plan B in place in case a complication arises.

• If concerns arise about your safety or that of the baby, get out of the water immediately.

• In case the baby has his/her first bowel movement in the womb, take special precautions to keep the baby from ingesting or inhaling any of the meconium present in the water.