An increasing number of African American women have had their babies through a water birth and many others are considering it. When planning a water birth, it’s essential to know what needs to be covered so things go smoothly. Having all the information also ensures that you’re making the best decision for you and your baby.
What Happens During a Water Birth
A water birth generally means being in a bathtub or inflatable tub for some or all of labor and delivery. It’s up to your medical team to determine how long you’ll be in the water. Some medical professionals prefer to remove the mother from the water once it’s time for delivery.
The rationale behind that is to ensure there’s enough time to move quickly in case of an emergency. For example, if a C-section is needed, one doctor estimates you could lose up to 5 minutes just trying to get a laboring mother out of a tub.
If you’re given the go-ahead to deliver in the tub, however, you can expect medical personnel to make a smooth transition from coaching you through delivery to getting your baby out of the water for the first breath of air.
At that point, they will assess your health, as well as your baby’s, to ensure that everything is okay.
What You Need to Have a Water Birth
With the increasing popularity of water births, it’s not hard to find hospitals and birthing centers that offer them. However, if you would like to give birth at home, there are a few supplies that you’ll need to secure. These include:
Since you’re giving birth at home, it will be up to you to ensure that you’re working with a licensed midwife who has the support of an OB/GYN.
Having knowledgeable medical personnel involved ensures that you’ll be guided appropriately and emergency situations will be handled quickly.
Persons Who May Not Be Approved for a Water Birth
It’s good to talk with your doctor as soon as you’re thinking of having a water birth because it’s not possible for everyone. It’s not advisable for those who are under 17 or over the age of 35.
Persons who are having a high-risk pregnancy, a breeched birth, multiple babies, a premature birth, or a large baby might not be given the go-ahead either. Additionally, disorders such as preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, or diabetes, and any condition that requires constant monitoring during birth won’t be approved for a water birth.
Even if things were fine before the birth, it’s also possible for things to be called off if things change during the birth. For example, if you develop a fever, get an infection, or start bleeding, your midwife would recommend continuing the birth at a hospital.
The Pros and Cons of a Water Birth
According to health professionals as well as women who’ve experienced water births, being in the water made the process easier. They report a reduction in pain as well as the length of the childbirth. In some cases, there have been instances where there was less perineal trauma during delivery.
There are, however, a few risks to consider. Water births are considered to be safe but there is the risk of the baby getting an infection while in the water. The baby could also inhale water if not removed from the tun quickly enough.
Additionally, there is a risk that the umbilical cord could snap off if things move too fast. If that happens, there will be a lot of bleeding until it’s controlled.
There are many factors to consider if you’d like to have a water birth. Fortunately, if you start planning early, you can ensure safe delivery. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you have. The right medical personnel will have no problems keeping you in the know.
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