Water Birth

Water births are becoming increasingly popular, with many more women opting for a more relaxing way to give birth. Most women choose to have a water birth because it is widely regarded as a more soothing and less stressful environment for childbirth; the water can also help to relax the mother and reduce tension and pain.

It is possible to have a water birth in a hospital or home setting; most hospitals have specialist birthing pools but some women prefer to hire a birthing pool and give birth at home.

What are the advantages of having a water birth?

The main advantage of having a water birth is the pain relief; it is said that water offers greater pain relief than all other methods with the exception of an epidural. Many women also find that the water helps to relax their muscles and take their mind off the pain produced by labour.

Another advantage of giving birth in the water is that it involves natural pain relief, rather than relying on medication; this is particularly beneficial for women who have particular religious beliefs and those who favour the natural approach to pain relief, rather than taking medication.

Many people who are in favour of water births say that giving birth in water helps to support the woman and enables them to change position easily in order to find the most comfortable position to give birth. Water births may be particularly beneficial for women with a physical disability, as the water supports the woman’s body weight and enables them to find a comfortable position, which they may not be able to manoeuvre into if they were in a hospital ward or at home.

Research into water birth has also found that women who choose to have a water birth are less likely to require alternative forms of medication or pain relief, meaning there is little risk of complications or unpleasant side-effects; this also aids recovery after the birth.

Some experts also say that water births ease the transition from the womb to the real world for the baby, as the pool resembles the mother’s womb to a certain extent; some studies have found that babies that are born in the water cry less than those who are born in other environments.

Water births can offer a calmer and more private environment for giving birth; the birthing pool can be a quiet place and you can request to have the lights dimmed, which will make it seem more relaxing.

What are the disadvantages of having a water birth?

There are a few disadvantages of giving birth in the water, but on the whole it is regarded as a safe procedure and the risks are very similar to those associated with normal birth. Many women may worry that their babies will inhale water and consequently experience problems with breathing or choking; however, this is very rare because babies have a reflex known as a dive reflex, which enables them to close their airways and prevents them from inhaling water. Babies will only start to breathe in the water if there are problems associated with their oxygen supply or complications during the birth; the mother and the baby will be monitored very closely throughout the labour to ensure the risk of complications is kept to a minimum; if complications do arise, they will aim to treat you as quickly as possible.

There is a risk of infection associated with water birth as the mother may open their bowels as they push their baby out; this is very common and should not be a source of embarrassment but it can contribute to an increased risk of infection for the baby. Research has suggested that the risk of infection is very similar to other birthing environments.

Some women may be put off by the idea of the midwife having to clean the pool and use a sieve to get rid of any excretions; however, this should not be a reason to go against the idea of a water birth as midwives are used to this and it is very common.

One other possible disadvantage is the degree of pain relief; for some, the idea of giving birth in the water means a tranquil, relaxing environment and a lack of pain, however the reality is that labour is a painful experience and although water may soothe pain, contractions will still be very painful and some women may be disappointed with the degree of pain relief offered by water.

If for some reason the labour does not go according to plan you may have to get out of the water and give birth normally; this can be disruptive and it may cause concern and confusion. In many cases, the birth goes very smoothly and complications are rare; however, it is important to realise that if complications do arise, you may be asked to leave the birthing pool.

In very rare cases, the umbilical cord may snap as the baby rises quickly to the surface of the pool so that they can start to breathe; this can cause complications but midwives are trained to deal with this situation and the effects should not be serious.

Planning for a water birth

If you are thinking of having a water birth, you should discuss this with your midwife. It is important to ask about the availability of the water birth at the hospital you are planning to go to and to ask any questions about giving birth in water; you may find it useful to find out how many women choose to have water births at the hospital, how many staff are trained to deal with water births and find out about the potential risks of giving birth in the water. If you choose to have a water birth in hospital, there is no guarantee that the pool will be free when you go into labour and you should be prepared for all eventualities.

It is possible to have a water birth at home; you can choose to hire a birthing pool or you can buy an inflatable version. If you do choose to give birth at home, you should be aware that it will take time for emergency medical professionals to help you if complications do arise. If you are having a home water birth, you need to take some practical considerations into account; for example, you need to think about the space you have available for the pool and make sure you have a floor which is solid enough to take the weight of the pool when it is filled with water.

Is a water birth suitable for everyone?

Water birth is suitable for most expectant mothers but doctors may advise certain women against water birth. Generally, healthy mothers who have reached the 37 week mark will be able to have a water birth; the baby should also be in a position with its head down. You may be advised to have a normal birth if you suffer from the following health conditions or have a history of the following problems during childbirth:

• Epilepsy
• HIV positive
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Obesity
• If you have gone into labour prematurely
• If you bled excessively during previous labours
• If you have been induced

You may also be advised to have a normal birth if there are problems with the baby or they are in an awkward position. Mothers who are expecting more than one child may also be advised to have a normal birth.

Is a water birth safe?

Research has suggested that water births are as safe as normal births when carried out on healthy mothers; doctors and midwives will decide if a water birth is a safe and wise option based on the health of the mother and the positioning and health of the baby. If there are problems or complications which may potentially cause risks during labour, the doctor will advise against water birth. During the water birth, the condition of both the mother and the baby will be monitored closely and trained midwives and obstetricians will be on hand to assist if any problems do arise.

Home births carry greater risks of complications than hospital births as the environment is not sterile and risks of infection are subsequently higher; however, home water births do not carry greater risks than normal home births.