Is a water birth right for you?

Want to experience natural birthing but in a painless manner? Try water birth. Here is all that you need to know about this alternative natural birthing process.

Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : November 2, 2015 6:54 PM IST

Medically assisted labour and other artificial interventions during birthing have become a norm in today's world. However, one should know that no matter how easy, convenient and pain-free the process of birthing has become with such interventions, one can't ignore the various benefits that natural birthing bestows on both mother and baby, albeit the pains.

One major reason that makes modern day expectant mums opt for surgery, over natural birthing is the fear and inability to tolerate labour pains. Although there are many situations in which surgical intervention is the best option because of the risk of complications or other health risks, in most other cases a natural delivery remains the best option. In such cases there may be no way to escape the pain, but one can counter it naturally, making the birthing process easy, and manageable, although it's unlikely to ever be pain free. One such option is to opt for water birthing, which is thought to be gentle and soothing. Water is also believed to act like a natural pain reliever to some extent during the labour hours. Read 9 tips to help you have a normal delivery.

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What is water birth?

Proponents of water birth believe that it is natural birthing at its best. In this process the mother is allowed to sit and relax inside a pool of water (either a bathtub or artificially made pool) brought down to a temperature that is suitable and soothing for her. The most important aspect of water birth is that it comforts the mother when the contractions set in, acting as a natural pain reliever. It is also believed that water births help the baby experience a gentle transition from the womb to the world. However, it makes sense to understand that this is an alternative method of birthing and not all hospitals and conventional birthing centres are forthcoming of the idea. If you wish to opt for water birth it is necessary to first learn and find a practitioner who can guide you through your pregnancy and prepare you for the same during labour. Read how to write a good birth plan.

How does it benefit?

There are various benefits that one can enjoy with this kind of natural birthing process. Some of them are as follows:

With its soothing and relaxing effects, water makes a woman in labour feel comfortable despite the pains and helps her to concentrate more on the process of birthing. The light feeling that one experiences while floating in the pool of water gives the woman a sense of security and control over her labour. Read 5 ways to counter back pain during labour.

Since water imparts relief from pain to a great extent, it restores a lot of energy and keeps the mother's energy levels high during the later stages of labour when she needs all her strength to expel the baby. Read the second stage of labour: A step by step guide.

Buoyancy makes the mother's body seem lighter, which encourages free movement and better positioning inside the pool. Being in the water helps the mother move around with ease and settle into a position that makes her comfortable and helps the baby to descend. Moreover, being able to move during labour in the water helps the pelvis to open preparing for the grand entry of the baby. Read water births now made easy with water mirrors.

The relaxing atmosphere and lowered pain sensations that water imparts, promotes efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation. This in turn results in better oxygenation in the uterine muscles, thereby reducing pain and ensuring better oxygen supply to the baby. Read hypnobirthing helps to stay calm during labour.

Being in the birthing pool for a while helps to lower blood pressure that sets in due to high anxiety levels and helps the mother relax. This alleviates pain sensations by inhibiting the secretion of stress-related hormones and allowing the mother's body to produce endorphins which act like pain-inhibitors. During labour, if the mother's stress levels increase the body produces hormones such as noradrenaline and catecholamines, which raise the blood pressure and can inhibit the process of labour. A relaxed mind and body can only help in initiating a smooth and manageable labour, water contributes in a big way to achieve this. Read how to plan for a birth without violence for your baby.

While initiating a natural birth, water also makes the perineum more elastic and relaxed, which reduces the incidence and severity of tearing and hence that of an episiotomy. Read the third phase of labour: A step by step guide and tips to survive.

The relaxing atmosphere that water creates helps the mother to relax physically and mentally allowing her to concentrate more on the efforts needed to birth the baby.

During birthing, water also helps the baby experience a familiar surrounding, as in the womb, providing an environment like the amniotic sac where the baby floats in amniotic fluid. This lessens the trauma of birth and makes the transition a gentle one.

Who can opt for water birth?

Anyone who has a healthy pregnancy that isn't a high risk one can opt for water birth. However, talk to your doctor first to make sure that you won't run the risk of facing any complications mid-labour with water birth. Women who need to be under medical observation during labour due to any illness or a chronic health condition like pre-eclampsia are usually advised to drop the option.

When not to opt for water birth?

Even if you are enthusiastic about the idea of a water birth, remember, the following things can rule out alternative birthing options for you:

If you suffer from herpes or any form of urinary tract infection: Infections can be easily transferred from the mother to the baby in the water, especially herpes.

If your baby is in breech position: This might need medical intervention and can pose a risk to the baby if attempted in a natural birthing process. Read six ways to turn your breech baby to normal position.

If you have excessive bleeding: Excessive bleeding or maternal infection would stop you from getting inside the birthing pool for a water birth.

If you have twins or multiples: In some rare cases, water birth has been documented to help in birthing twins and multiples, but it is not encouraged in general.

If you have premature labour: Water birthing isn't advisable when dealing with a delivery for a pregnancy that is 37 weeks or less.

If there is severe meconium: This indicates fetal distress where constant monitoring of the fetal heart rate becomes necessary, which isn't possible with water birth.

How to prepare for water birthing?

Labour and birth are unpredictable. No matter whether you choose to go the natural way or opt for a surgery, you need to plan your birthing well ahead of your labour hours. Choosing water birth is no different. Here is what you need to keep in mind if you wish to opt for water birthing.

Try to keep yourself fit and strong throughout your pregnancy by eating right and exercising. Keep in mind that an alternative birthing method like water birth is performed without the intervention of drugs or artificial pain relievers, so it is important for a woman to be strong enough to withstand all the challenges and pains of labour. Read 9 dos and don'ts of exercise during pregnancy.

Learn all that you need to know about water birthing, either through a certified practitioner or through your antenatal classes. In addition, also talk to mothers who have experienced the bliss of water birthing, so that when you enter the pool you already have a fair idea of what you can expect.

You would need a lot of support from your loved ones during the labour, if you wish to go the natural way, even if it is a soothing water birth. Make sure that you choose at least three caregivers to be around you during your labour. Pick caregivers who are knowledgeable and supportive and have educated themselves on the various aspects of water birthing. Discuss your birthing option with your partner and with your immediate family members first. If this is not an option, get in touch with midwives or doula to help you during the labour. Read 5 things you should not tell a woman in labour.

Keep your doctor informed and in the loop about your labour, so that in case of any medical emergency, if it arises, you could seek help promptly.

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