What is a water birth like? How is it different from a traditional birth?

Water birth is a new way of childbirth in recent years. Many mothers may choose water birth out of curiosity or novelty. Today, let's give you a detailed introduction to what water birth is like. And what everyone wants to know most, what are the benefits of water birth.

What is a water birth like?

Water birth, as the name suggests, is giving birth in water. Its definition is that the newborn is completely immersed in water when it is delivered.

During this process, the newborn's head must be completely submerged in water until the entire body is delivered underwater, and then the newborn is immediately taken out of the water.

Water birth is just one form of natural childbirth, giving mothers an additional option for natural childbirth.

Childbirth is an inevitable process in human reproduction. It is a consensus to diversify the way of childbirth and let human childbirth return to nature to reduce medical intervention. Objectively, water birth also plays a role in reducing the cesarean section rate.

This method of delivery not only reduces the amount of bleeding during delivery, but also rarely causes damage to the perineum; the fetal heart rate will not change abnormally. Since the delivery time is relatively short, it will also reduce and help the pain of pregnant mothers.

The principle of water birth is that the mother gives birth naturally in a birthing pool filled with warm water. Because the water temperature, biological indicators, etc. in the birthing pool are similar to the amniotic fluid environment in the mother's uterus, the fetus can adapt well after leaving the mother's body, and the mother also reduces the pain of childbirth under the buoyancy of the water.

The newborn is provided with breathing nutrients by the placenta and umbilical cord in the mother's amniotic fluid. At the moment of water birth, the environment in the birthing pool is similar to that of the amniotic fluid, and the newborn's lungs are still not open, so there is no risk of choking on water.

There is a reason why mothers like and choose "water birth". When soaking in warm water, the body and mind of a person will generally be calmer and more relaxed. Due to labor pains, the secretion of stress hormones in the body that cause high blood pressure and prolong labor will be reduced.

The buoyancy of water relaxes human muscles, allowing more energy to be used for uterine contractions, which can speed up the labor process and shorten the time it takes to give birth.

It is also more comfortable to move in water than on a delivery bed. Taking some different postures can help relax the pelvis, relax the pelvic floor muscles, promote cervical dilation, and make it easier for the fetus to pass through the birth canal.

For newborns, water birthing takes a shorter time, which can reduce the harm to the mother and the risk of hypoxia for the baby.

Of course, if the operation is not standardized, accidents may occur. During a water birth in a hospital in China, the midwife made a simple mistake by cutting the umbilical cord while the newborn was still underwater!

The difference between water birth and traditional birth

Water birth is not as uncomfortable as natural birth, and it allows mothers to experience the birthing process. Compared with traditional birthing methods, water birth can shorten the birthing process, reduce the pain of the mother, and avoid the use of narcotic analgesics. Scientific research has found that water with a suitable temperature can make the mother feel calm and relaxed, which will promote the dilation of the cervix. At the same time, the buoyancy of water can offset part of the gravity, help the mother to exert the natural rhythm of the body, and it is easier to support the body and tolerate uterine contractions, stretch naturally, and thus reduce the pain during childbirth. All of these are conducive to shortening the birthing process. Painless childbirth greatly reduces the pain of expectant mothers, reduces the fear of childbirth and the fatigue after childbirth. It can allow the mother to get enough rest in the first stage of labor, which is the longest time, and have more physical strength for childbirth when the cervix is ​​fully dilated. Because the pain is reduced, the mother can better cooperate with the doctor to do various examinations, and can also adjust her breathing and exertion in a sober state, so that the delivery is smoother.

Who is suitable for water birth?

1. If the fetus is found to be unhealthy, or has an abnormal fetal position or is a multiple birth during the prenatal examination, it should not be used.

2. Pregnant women with diseases. Relevant experts believe that pregnant women with diseases should adopt a more stable delivery method because diseases often cause syndromes and cause unnecessary damage.

3. Pregnant women with various factors that affect normal delivery, such as giant fetuses or maternal obesity. The weight of babies born in water should be controlled at around 3 kilograms.

Nowadays, expectant mothers have many ways to obtain nutrition, so the rate of babies weighing more than 3 kilograms at birth is also very high. If the baby's weight is measured to be overweight during the prenatal check-up in the late pregnancy, it is best not to choose water birth.