Childbirth is a unique process, and there are myriad baby delivery methods available, including vaginal delivery, C-section, Bradley method, Lamaze technique, assisted vaginal delivery, and water delivery.
Except for vaginal and C-section delivery methods, the rest of them are methods based on different philosophies, like the Lamaze technique is known for controlled breathing techniques; the Bradley method prepares the mother to prepare for childbirth, coached by their partners for over 12 weeks.
Another unique childbirth method is water birth, where labor and delivery occur in a warm water pool or a bathtub. This method provides both comfort and relaxation to the mother during labor. Are you thinking of going for water delivery? Then, you should know every aspect of water birth, birthing position, and everything else so you are in a better position to make a decision.
Preparing for Water Birth: What to Expect?
Water births can take place in hospitals, birthing centers, or at home. A doctor, nurse-midwife, or midwife can help you navigate the process.
There are two stages of labor: Stage 1 starts when you first experience contractions and continues until the cervix is fully dilated, and Stage 2 is when the cervix is fully dilated and you are ready to push to deliver the baby. Let's see how you will navigate different phases of labor and delivery in water birth:
- Stage 1: Labor Pain
During this stage, you will be in a pool filled with warm water. A warm water bath helps you relax and feel more in control. Floating in the water helps you change position easily compared to bed. Some studies suggest that being in water reduces the chances of vaginal tearing and improves the blood flow to the uterus. However, the results of this study are not clear.
- Stage 2: Delivery
When the cervix is dilated completely, it might be time to get out of the water tub. Many doctors say that there isn't enough information available to decide whether delivering underwater is safe. It is suggested that you come out during this stage because it makes it easier to take emergency action in case things go wrong. It is because if an emergency C-section is required, 4-5 minutes will be wasted to get out of the water tub.
Want to know how far along you are in your pregnancy? Use our Pregnancy Calculator to calculate your due date and track your progress week by week. Stay informed about what to expect as your pregnancy progresses!
Pregnancy Tips: How to Prepare For Water Birth
There are several considerations to keep in mind when you choose the water birth method. Here is how you can prepare for it in a better way:
Purchase or rent a blow-up birthing tub.
Get a water thermometer to ensure that the water temperature is in the target range (99 and 100.7 degrees).
You will require plastic sheets and towels to place them around the tub. The number of towels will increase depending on you and anyone else joining the water tub to help during the labor.
Prepare an alternative place to birth. You will require a bed, cot, or other predetermined place close to the tub in case you are required to give birth out of the tub.
Wear something comfortable to wear during the birth. For instance, choose a garment to cover your breasts that is easy to remove for breastfeeding. Wearing a sports bra is not recommended because it will become difficult to pull off quickly.
You should have some kind of rolling chair near the edge of the tub in case you need help moving from the tub to another place.
Practice with the water tub between 35 and 36 weeks before you go into labor. This will help you and your partner understand what needs to be done and what should be avoided.
Pros and Cons of Water Birth: Make a Decision
It is essential to weigh all the pros and cons before making any decision. Let's look at the table below to understand whether to go for water birth or not:
| Pros | Cons |
| Ease in labor pains | The baby might inhale contaminated amniotic fluid, causing respiratory problems. |
| Reduces the need of medication or intervention | There is a risk of drowning. |
| Lessens the chances of vaginal tearing | The baby is brought to surface quickly in water birth, and this might cause the umbilical cord to snap. |
| Shorter labor period | Infection to the baby and to the parents as well. |
Water birth is not recommended in the following situations:
There are pregnancy complications, like Group B strep-positive cultures, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, unproven pelvis, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or macrosomia.
Pre-labor conditions (less than 37 weeks gestation)
The baby is in breech position.
The mother’s age is more than 35.
You having more than one baby (Twin pregnancy or multiple pregnancy)
Final Thoughts
Water birth brings along several benefits, like the flexibility to try different birthing positions, reduced anxiety, and reduced labor pain. You can use a pregnancy calculator to track your pregnancy and start practicing for delivery so you are well prepared.
Also, water birth is not suited for everyone, so before deciding to deliver your baby this way, it is best to consult your doctor and take their suggestion. It is because, in the end, you and your baby should be healthy.
Regarding keeping your baby healthy, you can go for stem cell preservation to provide your baby with an alternate treatment for life-threatening diseases. Cryoviva offers flexible financing and cost-effective stem cell preservation plans, and learning how storing the umbilical cord is a better solution for the future.