Advantages of water birth: Giving birth in a birthing pool filled with warm water can reduce the pain of the mother during the entire birth process. Because the birth pool is similar to the amniotic fluid environment in the mother\’s uterus, the fetus will adapt to this new external environment after leaving the mother\’s uterus. The \”instinct\” of fetuses will cause them to hold their breath before getting out of the water to avoid choking on the water. The appropriate water temperature for water birth can calm the mother\’s mood, relax her leg muscles, and dilate her cervix. The buoyancy of water helps the body develop a natural rhythm that makes it easier to turn over and rest.
This method of delivery not only results in less blood loss during delivery, but also causes less damage to the perineum than traditional vaginal delivery, and does not require an episiotomy; a warm water bath can relax the mother\’s emotions and significantly reduce the pain of delivery; and because the mother is in the water The position can be adjusted independently, so the force during delivery is more natural, the effect is more significant, and the labor process is shortened. Because the delivery time is relatively short, the maternal physical exertion is very small, and the postpartum recovery is obviously better than other delivery methods. Babies born underwater are less likely to be harmed than babies born normally.
Disadvantages of Water Birth: There should be no particular risks when following protocol. Many foreign countries have formulated professional water birth regulations or guidelines.
Some hospitals do not use professional water delivery equipment and have not received professional operating training. Unexpected accidents can occur, with horrific consequences such as death of a newborn due to suffocation. At the same time, disinfect non-professional water delivery equipment. There are still difficulties in how to prevent infection, and many hospitals in the United States only use bathtubs or SPA tanks for water delivery. Therefore, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has not confirmed that underwater birth is a safe method of delivery.
Mothers having a water birth are advised to be cautious when choosing a hospital. Transferring water in bathtubs, jacuzzis and birthing pools carries greater risks, especially since the birthing water has not been sterile and is more susceptible to infection. You should think carefully about delivering water to such a hospital.