Water birth is when a woman gives birth fully or partially immersed in water, in a bathtub or pool. It is one of the oldest forms of childbirth. There are several accounts stating that princes and princesses were born in bathtubs in ancient Greece, but it gradually became a last resort due to the conveniences offered by modern hospitals.
Currently, this type of birth has seen renewed interest, and since there are few maternity hospitals that have bathtubs available for expectant mothers, home births have increased considerably day by day. In at-home water births, when there is no bathtub available at the location, inflatable pools are set up for use during labor. The purpose of water birth is to relax the woman during active labor, restoring energy and creating a calmer environment for the moment of delivery, making it a time of tranquility for both the mother and the baby, who will be going from the water in the womb straight to the water of the bathtub or pool, which should be kept at an average temperature of 36°.
Are there risks with water birth?
The risks attributed to water birth include postpartum hemorrhage, which is why it is recommended that the placenta be delivered out of the water so the blood flow can be controlled. There is also a risk of the baby inhaling water; even though such cases are rare, the risk exists. Some obstetricians also note that if an episiotomy is needed for a larger baby, the procedure is more complicated in water. This type of birth is not recommended for high-risk pregnancies, premature babies, pregnant women with diabetes, HIV, Hepatitis B, or genital herpes, and in cases of very large babies (over 4 kg). Every birth should be accompanied by an obstetrician or a specialist with equipment for emergencies and able to provide assistance to both mother and baby.
How is recovery for mothers who give birth in water?
With vaginal birth, the woman’s recovery is usually smoother than with a cesarean, since there is no surgical intervention. With a water birth, recovery is even more comfortable, as in water the woman expends less energy and her body is relaxed from the warm water, which helps speed up cervical dilation, resulting in a faster and less traumatic delivery for both mother and baby. As for the vagina and perineum, because of the deep relaxation in water, rates of lacerations or swelling are lower than in a conventional natural birth.
See also: Postpartum menstruation – When will it return to normal and the risks of getting pregnant
Photo: Hobo Mama
