Water Birth: What Are the Pros and Cons You Need To Know?

Water birth American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG Hydrotherapy

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Sep 21, 08:32 am

Water birth is the process of delivering the baby in a pool filled with warm water, according to Web MD. It can occur in a hospital or birthing center but is usually done at home. A doctor, nurse-midwife, or midwife helps the mother through it.

Water births are becoming increasingly popular among women. Natural and water birth entail little pain medication, which women wanted to try.

While data suggests water births are more painful, women who had it recollected lower pain levels than those who had birthed in bed.

In the United States, birthing centers and hospitals offer water births. Usually, medical facilities provide a more home-like setting than a hospital and more natural options for women having babies.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) set guidelines for pregnancy and childbirth care in the United States and stated that water birth during the first stage of a mother's labor might have some benefits but delivering the baby underwater should be considered an experimental procedure with risks.

The first stage occurs when contractions begin until the cervix is fully dilated.

What are the pros of water birth?

Several studies have determined the potential benefits of water births. Women who choose to have water births have reported positive effects from their birth experience. Some women find giving birth in water soothing and claim it helps relieve stress and calm the newborn baby. Water birth is often called hydrotherapy.

A warm bath during labor is also associated with the same relaxation benefits and some claims that it helps to lower the blood pressure and makes it a calmer experience for them. Due to warm water, many women find it easier to move and reposition themselves during labor which mainly helps contractions progress more swiftly.

A pool or bathtub filled with warm water during birth also triggers the release of more endorphins and improves blood flow to the uterine muscles. This naturally helps women to manage labor pains. Women prefer water birth because of the manageable pain level, making them feel more present and connected to the birth process.

However, water birth is not for every woman as it has a requirement that women should achieve. Water birth is only for women who have a normal pregnancy and doesn't have any complications such as diabetes or high blood pressure, per the Ohio State University.

What are the cons of water birth?

Limited research has determined the risks of water birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that while water may provide some benefits for both parents and in the first stage of labor, there is not enough evidence that it supports benefits for the baby. According to ACOG, women can have a water birth, but they recommend delivery in bed.

Blood and other fluids and solids may exist in the pool or tub as it is a natural part of labor and delivery. Thus, it could be harmful to the newborns as they will be exposed to bacteria if they open their eyes or mouth underwater. Such could possibly lead to an infection. The top concern of many care professionals is the time the baby spends underwater during birth.

Although it lessens the medication and soothes women, Health Partner suggests water birth can be dangerous to a newborn baby.