Relaxation
Warm water is comforting and soothing, so it’s easy to imagine why water birth could offer relaxation benefits. Laboring in a tub of warm water can help lower the mother’s blood pressure, making for a calmer experience overall.
It’s important to note: labor pains are still present during the water birth process, but the environment is likely more relaxing and pleasurable. Some women find that being able to feel the process of birth with a manageable level of pain makes them feel more connected to the birth of their baby.
Ease of movement
The buoyancy of water lessens the mother’s body weight and allows for freer movement and positioning. Many women say this is one of the main benefits of a water birth. By moving around in the water to find new positions, some women find they experience contractions more smoothly and calmly.
Improved circulation
Relaxing in a tub of warm water during the water birth process can trigger the release of endorphins in the mother, which can improve blood flow to the uterine muscles and help manage labor pains. The buoyancy from the water improves blood circulation, which reduces pain and provides more important oxygen for your baby.
Reduced risk of tearing
Another one of the pros of a water birth for women who labor in water is they’re less likely to experience a severe tear or need an episiotomy (a surgical cut). The thinking is that the perineum becomes more relaxed by sitting in the warm tub of water, so it’s more elastic when the baby is delivered.
Are you interested in a natural birth experience? Learn more about the natural birth experience we offer at our St. Paul location.
Benefits of a water birth for baby
Another reason why water birth is chosen by some women is because of the potential benefits for their baby. The stress of birth is reduced in a warm tub of water because the environment is similar to being in the mother’s uterus. Many women say giving birth in water gives them calmness knowing their baby is arriving in this familiar way.
Eases the stress of birth
Many women who choose a hospital water birth are doing so for the relaxing, calm, and private environment it provides. They want this environment for themselves while they are laboring, and they also want their baby to arrive in a calm space that is provided by the warm tub of water.
Provides a familiar environment
A baby born into water is entering an environment very much like the one they just left. The amniotic fluid in the uterus has protected your baby for the past nine months.
When the baby’s head is born into the water, it feels similar to the amniotic fluid. The baby doesn’t take a breath while their head is still under the water. Nerve receptors in the baby’s cheeks are stimulated when they emerge from the water and feel the air, causing them to take their first breath.
Water birth risks
There are a few disadvantages of water birthing, even in hospitals. You’re doing the right thing now by educating yourself about the pros and cons, but remember to also discuss your questions and concerns about giving birth in water with your health care provider before your delivery day.
Here are some potential problems that could happen during a water birth:
- Infection for you or your baby – Blood and other fluids are a natural part of labor and delivery, so they will be in the water. If your baby is exposed to bacteria because they open their eyes or mouth underwater (or if you do), an increased risk of infection could occur.
- Pain management options are more limited – An epidural and certain other pain relief medications aren’t options during a water birth.
- Medical intervention could take longer – If you or your baby have a medical emergency, it could take longer to get you out of the tub for interventions.
- Overheating or dehydration – If the water is too hot, overheating can become a risk for you and your baby. Make sure the temperature of the water is carefully monitored, and you’re drinking fluids as you’re able.
- The baby breathes too early – Rarely, water aspiration happens during a water birth, but it’s possible. Your health care providers are trained to scoop the baby out of the water as soon as they’re delivered.
- The umbilical cord could break before your baby comes out of the water – This is also a very rare occurrence, but it’s a serious event if it happens.
At The Mother Baby Center, we treat our patients with care and respect. Find a provider at one of our locations in the Twin Cities Metro today.