What is Water Birth and is it for You?

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If you’re considering your options as your due date draws near, you may be considering a water birth. This option is typically done in your home with a doula or midwife, although a growing number of women are choosing a water birth in a hospital setting.

What is a Water Birth?
A water birth means giving birth to your child in water. It’s typically done in a tub or swimming pool filled with warm water and it’s designed to replicate the feeling of the womb. This type of birth can be done at your own home, in a birth center or even a hospital that allows water births. Like any birth, you and your child should receive monitoring and care from a trained professional. While you’re in labor, an underwater device can monitor the baby’s heartbeat and you can still receive any medication you need through an IV.

Are there benefits?
There have been no studies to confirm benefits of water birth, although many women find it soothing and comfortable. Because the water offers buoyancy, you’ll feel lighter. This may reduce labor pains and allow you to concentrate. The water is designed to ease your child’s transition from womb to the world as well. Water may also lower the chance that the perineum, vagina and labia can tear, so your risk of stitches or an episiotomy is reduced.

Are there risks?
There are some rare risks associated with a water birth, although it’s still rather safe. In some rare cases, your baby may inhale water in the birthing tub. While no drownings have occured, this could lead to too little sodium in the baby’s blood, a condition known as hyponatremia. There are also cases of the umbilical cord snapping in the water, which requires the baby to undergo a blood transfusion, as well as infections from unclean water in the pool.

Am I a good candidate for a water birth?
There are some situations in which a water birth is not recommended as it poses a risk to the baby or mother. If the following situations apply, a water birth may not be your best choice.

• Herpes – Herpes can transfer very easily in water, so you may pass it to your child.
• Baby in breech position – Water births have been done successfully with babies in feet first and bottom first presentations, but it’s more difficult and potentially dangerous to mother and child.
• Excessive bleeding or maternal infection conditions make water births dangerous.
• Multiple births – Water births have been done with twins, although this is something you’ll need to discuss with your doctor or midwife.
• Risk of preterm labor – If your baby is pre-term, which is two weeks or earlier than their due date, a water birth is not recommended in general.
• Severe meconium – A mild to moderate amount of meconium is expected. This substance floats to the surface of the water and your midwife or doctor can remove it quickly. The meconium can easily be washed off the baby’s face and may come out of their nose and mouth if they are in the water. If the water is stained with meconium and the birth is around the corner, you can usually lift your pelvis and birth your child away from the water.
• Toxemia or preeclampsia – These conditions should be discussed with your midwife or doctor to discuss the risks and how they relate to a water birth.