- Some Pregnant Women May Consider Water Births - Petercantfail on Wikimedia Commons
Water births have increased in popularity in recent years. This type of birth is thought to offer many health benefits to both the mother and her baby. Here are some of the potential benefits of water births and tips on how to have the safest water birthing experience possible.
Benefits of Water Birth
One of the main benefits of a water birth is that it provides a less stressful environment for the mother who is giving birth. Not only is this environment thought to be more soothing than a hospital, the water also lessens the woman’s weight and allows her to have more freedom with positions during labor. According to the article "Water Birth" on the American Pregnancy Association website, water helps increase endorphins – or pain inhibitors. This means that a water birth can be a less painful experience.
It is thought that a water birth will benefit the baby by allowing an easier transition into the world. This theory exists because water is thought to be an environment which is similar to the amniotic sac, where the baby has spent the past nine months. By reducing the mother’s stress, it is also thought that fewer complications will occur during delivery.
Water Birth Safety Tips
While water births are thought to be relatively safe, there are a number of things that women can do to ensure that their birthing experience is a positive one. For starters, it is important to always make sure that a water birth is always supervised by a health care provider, such as a OB/GYN or a midwife. It is also preferable to give birth at a hospital or water birthing facility. Water should be no higher in temperature than 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that water births are not the right choice for everyone. There are some instances in which it is ideal to avoid giving birth in water. According to the American Pregnancy Association, water birthing may not be ideal if:
- the mother is giving birth to multiple babies
- the mother has herpes, which is more likely to be transmitted in water
- the baby is breech
- the mother has/had preeclampsia, toxemia, maternal infections or excessive bleeding
- the baby is expected preterm
Women who have experienced any of these circumstances or other health problems should talk to their health care providers. In some instances, the woman may be advised to go through with labor in the tub and deliver outside of the water. However, it is important to listen to the advice that the doctor has to give. While some women may have their hearts set on having a water birth, it is not the right option for every pregnancy.
Source:
American Pregnancy Association, “Water Birth” (accessed August 17, 2010).
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
