Is water birth painful? Conditions and requirements for water birth

Water birth is different from other birthing methods. Although it has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions must be met before a water birth can be performed. In addition, many pregnant women have prenatal phobia and worry that the birthing process will be painful. So, what is a water birth like? Is it painful to give birth in water? What are the conditions for a water birth?

Is water birth painful?

Water birth can reduce the pain of the mother. Water birth is usually carried out in a special delivery room. In a "birthing pool" shaped like a massage bathtub, the expectant mother soaks in specially treated warm water, the water temperature is maintained at 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, and the ambient temperature is 26 degrees Celsius. Under the guidance of the midwife, reasonable ventilation, relaxation... Slowly, a small life comes into the world smoothly. After the baby is born, the time spent in the water should not exceed one minute. Water birth can reduce the pain of the mother. The power of the water can give the mother a sense of psychological security. The water's containment can protect the mother's birth canal and pelvic cavity. Being in the water is conducive to the rest of the pregnant woman, it is easier to relax, the labor process is shortened, and the episiotomy rate of pregnant women is reduced. For normal low-risk pregnant women, water birth is safe with the help of experienced midwives.

Suitable for water birth

1. The mother must be pregnant for 38 weeks, her pelvis must be large enough, she should be between 20 and 30 years old, and she should be in good health without any disease. Heart disease, liver disease, gestational hypertension, etc. are not suitable for underwater delivery. She should also not have any infectious diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis, and AIDS, and no premature rupture of membranes!

2. The fetus must be in head delivery. If the fetal position is not right, underwater delivery is not possible. The fetal heart rate is normal and the size is normal, preferably 3000 grams to 3500 grams, without meconium staining. The fetus is healthy and has no disease and no serious umbilical cord around the neck, abnormal amniotic fluid, etc.!

Women who are not suitable for water birth

1. If the fetus is clearly or suspected to be unhealthy, in an abnormal fetal position, multiple births, or unsuitable for normal delivery during the prenatal check-up, underwater delivery is not allowed;

2. If you have a medical condition or a history of miscarriage, water birth is not recommended;

3. If you are too obese or the fetus weighs more than 7 catties, then underwater delivery is not suitable;

4. Women under 20 years old may not have enough psychological endurance, and women over 30 years old are considered to be elderly women for underwater delivery, so they are not suitable for underwater delivery;

5. Women who are in premature labor or whose amniotic fluid has been broken for more than 24 hours are not suitable for underwater delivery!

Precautions for water birth

1. The best age for water birth is 20-30 years old. Women who are too young or do not know about water birth before giving birth may not be mentally prepared, so water birth is not recommended. Women over 30 years old can be considered elderly mothers, and due to physiological reasons, cesarean section is appropriate.

2. For pregnant women who suffer from diseases or have a history of miscarriage, it is recommended to adopt a more cautious delivery method, because diseases often cause syndromes and easily cause unnecessary damage during delivery.

3. Pregnant women carrying giant babies (over 15 pounds), twins or multiple babies are not suitable for water birth.

4. Pregnant women who are in premature labor or whose amniotic fluid has been broken for more than 24 hours should receive emergency treatment and are not suitable for water birth.