Introduction: Some women now like to give birth in water, which is said to reduce the pain of childbirth. However, giving birth in water also has disadvantages. What exactly is water birth? Does water birth really reduce labor pain?
What is water birth
In some hospitals, in order to reduce the pain of childbirth, the mother is allowed to soak in warm water in a bathtub or jacuzzi. After the cervix is basically completely dilated, she returns to the delivery bed to complete the delivery. This method is called \”waiting in water\”. But when the delivery bed leaves the bath or leisure pool, risks must be prevented! For example, the mother slips and the fetus is born in a hurry; in China, midwives still perform episiotomies on mothers waiting to give birth in the water.
Water birth is just one way of natural childbirth, giving women one more natural childbirth option. Childbirth is an inevitable process in human reproduction. It has become a consensus to return human childbirth to nature and reduce medical intervention through the diversification of reproductive methods. Objectively speaking, water birth also plays a role in reducing the cesarean section rate.
Which mothers can give birth in water
1. The best age for water birth is 20-30 years old. If you are too young, you are not mentally prepared. If you are over 30 years old, you are considered an advanced maternal age. Due to physiological reasons, cesarean section is appropriate.
2. Women with diseases or a history of miscarriage should use safer delivery methods. Because disease often triggers syndromes that cause unnecessary damage.
3. Pregnant women with huge fetuses (more than 7 pounds) should not drink water.
People who are not suitable for water birth:
People who are older or younger; people with diseases; people who do not know before delivery; people with larger fetuses; people with a history of miscarriage;
Hear what the experts say
Polish obstetricians and gynecologists are supporters of water birth for pregnant women. They believe that the advantages of water birth are that it is fast, can reduce harm to the mother and reduce the risk of hypoxia for the baby; in addition, the mother can rest and turn over in the water. This is easier than being in the delivery bed. Hot water can also reduce pain during labor.
The mother lies in the bathtub, the water temperature is maintained at 363°C, which is consistent with the human body, and the ambient temperature is 26°C. Water must be disinfected to prevent infection and ensure safety. Multiple water changes are required during delivery, and the baby should not be in the water for more than one minute after birth. Experts believe that babies born in water are healthy.
However, in the United States, where water birth is more common, although more and more hospitals are carrying out this project, more experts have a \”walk and see\” attitude, neither opposing nor agreeing. The prestigious American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not have a water birth ward, and the College of Midwives has not taken a stance. Experts are still waiting for the final study report.