Water has been used during labour for many years now. The most common ways are having a shower or bath and using hot towels (I’ve noticed that in the old movies where they always boiled water and had clean towels). Recently we’ve started giving birth in water, which is far more controversial. There are many questions rising when one thinks about it. Is the baby going to drawn, what if something goes wrong? Unfortunately we still don’t have much research done on that level but here and there in the world things are happening and we can getter some information about labouring in a birth pool.

Preparing:

If you are considering labouring in a birthing pool the most important thing is to make sure there are no risks involved. You should discuss it with your midwife or doctor and decide the best option.

Nowadays there are hospitals with birth tubs if you want to stay close to assistance. If you are not sure about labouring in a hospital but still feel scared of doing it at home you can do some research and find a birth centre that can both give you medical support quickly and has a familiar environment where you will have ability to relax. Finally you can buy or rent a pool and have a home water birth. You will want to make sure you are no more than 15 min away from a hospital, having that on the back of your mind will allow you to feel safer and not worried. The chances are you won’t need assistance.

There are a few contra indications for water births: high risk prenatal issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia), plan to use pain medication, induced labour, twins and baby position (breech or transverse). A skilled practitioner in water birth is essential.

First stage:

Is it quite safe to spend the first stage of labour in a warm birth pool, and women have been doing that for a long time. It actually gives you privacy and a safe feeling. Due to its relaxing effects water will help your body to cope with the pain and relax, allowing labour to progress quickly and the need for intervention can actually decrease. You will have greater mobility that comes with buoyancy and the softening of the perineum will reduce the chances of tearing. Many women labour in water but prefer to deliver baby outside of the pool.

Second stage/delivery:

No, baby will not drown. He/she comes from an aquatic environment (amniotic fluid) and being born in water will be just a smooth transition. They have what is called the dive reflex, and they will only start breathing when brought to the surface. Baby and mum can relax for a while in the birth pool, where bonding takes place.

Women who have experience labour in water are strong advocates of water birth. The risks are low and I believe this practice will only grow with time.