Nowadays mums can choose to deliver their baby in the hospital, at a birthing center, or at home based on their needs and conditions. More mums are starting to welcome and promote the idea of water birth for a more natural and gentle childbirth experience.

“But what is water birth? Is it less painful? Is it safer? Is it for me?” Don’t worry mummies, here we will uncover the pros and cons of water birth and safety concerns.

What is a Water Birth?

As its name suggests, you’ll be delivering your baby in the water during a water birth. You’ll be submerged underwater, usually in an inflatable pool or a tub filled with warm water. You can choose to have your labor or delivery, or both, underwater, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests delivering on land and be underwater for your labor only. This is raised from concerns about potential risks of water immersion during baby’s delivery that can lead to serious or fatal conditions in newborns.

What are the Benefits?

Here are some benefits recognized by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

NOTE: The ACOG does not recommend laboring underwater beyond the first stage of labor, especially not delivering in water.

• You’d be more relaxed physically and mentally when you’re submerged in the warm water
• You can change into different positions more easily with the support from the water
• The water’s weight will also help you move your baby downwards to the birth canal
• You’d feel less pain on your back and belly underwater when you’re less anxious.
• Your perineum stretches more gently so there’s a lower risk of ripping your perineum

Is Water Birth for Me?

Water birth is suitable for mums who have a low-risk pregnancy, clear amniotic fluid, and their babies in the correct head-down position. It can be an option for mums who are 37 to 41 weeks pregnant and in a healthy condition. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, water birth is not recommended for mums who have previously had C-sections more than once and who are expected to have a preterm birth.

Water birth may not be a safe option for you if you have the following conditions:

• You have a premature birth
• You are carrying twins or more
• You have a fever of 38°C ( 100 °F ) or higher
• You have an infection
• Your baby is not in the head-down position, but other positions like breech
• You are bleeding
• Your labor is induced
• Your amniotic sac has been broken for over 24 hours and your cervix start dilating
• Your baby requires continuous monitoring of his/her temperature or heartbeat

Is water birth safe for my baby?

Mums may be curious about the risk of their babies drowning in the water during their water birth. It is actually unlikely to happen since babies do not breathe when they are still in the womb and soaked in the amniotic fluid. They acquire oxygen through the placenta through blood transfusion and not by their lungs. When your baby is delivered, he/she will be brought immediately to the surface and only breathe after they’re out of the water. However, if the baby is left in the water for too long, there can still be a risk of oxygen deprivation. There is also a risk of your baby inhaling the tub water that can result in infection – this occurs when your baby starts breathing too soon or is brought back into the water after he/she starts breathing.

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE: Water is generally not recommended as a safe delivery option for associating with risks of infection, oxygen deprivation, and fetal complications if not handled carefully. If you’ve still decided to go for a water birth and received your doctor’s consent, make sure that you’re fully attended to when you are in the water!