Water births are a more natural approach to labor and delivery and have been found to have benefits for both mother and newborn. If you’re pregnant and are interested in water birth, read on to learn about these benefits.
What is a Water Birth?
There are two variations of labor and delivery in water. Immersion labor occurs when a woman is in a tub or shower of warm water for labor but not the delivery. During a water birth, the woman remains immersed for both labor and the delivery of the baby. Water births can be performed at home or at birthing centers that specialize in this form of delivery. For the safety of both mother and child, water births should occur under the supervision of a trained midwife or obstetrician.
Benefits for Newborns
The birthing process can be stressful on a newborn, and water births can help reduce complications during delivery. Before birth, infants spend nine months developing inside the amniotic sac, surrounded by warm fluid. Delivery into warm water allows the baby to adjust better to the new environment, compared to the cooler temperature of a hospital room.
Benefits for Mothers
For a woman looking to give birth without the help of medications or epidurals, birth in water can be a gentler birthing experience. The warm water of the birthing tub can aid in relaxation for a mother, easing anxiety, and providing benefits including:
- Decreases in blood pressure
- Increases in energy and stamina during contractions
- Decreases stress-related hormones
Along with these benefits, water births allow a woman to position herself in a way that provides her comfort. In addition, immersion in water causes the perineum, the tissue between the vaginal canal and the anus, to become more elastic. This decreases the possibility of tears as the baby’s head emerges, and if a tear does occur, it can be less severe in nature.
When considering a natural approach to birth, water births can provide comfort for both mother and baby.
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