If you are an expecting mother, you may be busy dealing with the daily reality of being pregnant. However, it is also important to think about a childbirth plan and how you would like your baby to come into this world. One of the birth options available to you that you may be less familiar with is a water birth. Water birth is a childbirth option that has grown in popularity over the years for various reasons. Get to know more about water birth and the ways it could benefit you and your baby. Then, you can better determine if this is the childbirth plan you would like to go with for your new baby.
Water Birth Can Be Done at Home or in a Hospital
One of the benefits of water birth is that you can have the birth either at home or in the hospital depending on your wishes and comfort level. If you have a water birth in your home, though, you need a sterile tub or pool to give birth in. A home whirlpool tub, for example, would be difficult to sterilize and should not be used.
On the other hand, many birthing centers and hospitals offer tubs in which laboring mothers can soak and even give birth. You will want to discuss this with the physician overseeing your birth beforehand and will usually need a doula or midwife present to assist.
Water Birth Can Help the Mother Relax
The water in a water birth is soothing and relaxing. This can help an expectant mother going through labor to feel less physically and mentally stressed out by the process. Overall, this can enhance the overall birth experience.
Water Birth Is Only Suitable for Low-Risk Pregnancies
When it comes to water birth, there are some limitations. You cannot wear a fetal heart monitor if you are laboring in water, and because of this, only women with low-risk pregnancies should consider water birth.
High-risk pregnancies can include those in which women have gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other underlying medical conditions that can make labor dangerous for the mother and/or the baby. If a cesarean (c-section) was needed in a previous birth, it may also not be a good idea to try water birth as women who needed one c-section are more likely to need another. Other risk factors include breach babies, multiples, and early labor.
Now that you know a little more about water birth and the benefits it can have for you, you can better decide if this is the childbirth option you would like to go with for your new baby.
