He water birth. That idea that many mothers fantasize about when the “big moment” arrives. Something that many years ago was practically unthinkable and that today is a reality carried out as long as the pregnancy develops without complications or underlying pathologies.
Thanks to the passage of time and advances, women not only can but must take an active role in our pregnancy, in our birth and, above all, in our lives. There are more and more birth alternatives and their conditions that we have to take into account to choose the option that best suits our needs and preferences.
As we always say, information is our most powerful tool and it is what will make our balance lean towards one side or the other depending on the advantages and disadvantages that we observe. Do you want to know more about the still somewhat unknown yet amazing water birth? Keep reading!
What is water birth?
The birthin the water It is a type of natural birth that, as the term indicates, encompasses all births in which water becomes a protagonist more than birth. It brings together not only those births in which both the dilatation such as the expulsive phase occur within water but also those in which only the expansion period occurs in this medium. Water birth is a alternative that seeks to relieve and alleviate painsuffered. This indicated in those pregnancies that have developed without major complications and with a spontaneous birth and low intervention. That is, those births in which the risks are minimal and in which the dilation and expulsive phase are expected to pass without major difficulties.
Benefits of water birth
Benefits of water birth for the mother
If water birth stands out for something, it is because of itsanalgesic benefitsabout the contractions. Because… let’s put ourselves in a situation. Let’s imagine ourselves in a bathtub at a temperature of about 37ºC where we can even listen to music that relaxes us in this nervous moment.
Apparently there is a lot of distance between this situation and the one that always appears in the movies where the pregnant woman remains on a stretcher screaming, sweating and dying of pain, right?Water at this temperature causes apleasant feelingwhich makes discomfort and pain are reduced thanks to that relaxation. There’s a reason they call it the “epidural natural”.
On a psychological level it influences emotional health since it helps this moment to be lived as something intimate and personal avoiding the “discomfort of nudity.” Furthermore, it favorswomen empowermentmaking you adopt a more than active role in this important vital moment. Reduces the stress hormone, anxiety and fears.
On the other hand, water favors the feeling of lightness and ease of movement, improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the uterine muscles.This makes it possible to adopt a good posture that influences the descent of the baby’s head over the pelvis.It also helps in control pushing and prevent perineal tears which causes the appearance of tears or the practice of episiotomies is reduced. Here you can read more about perineal massage.
Benefits of water birth for the baby
In addition, this is considered a great benefit of water birth since it allows your baby aeasy adaptation to extrauterine lifemaking the change not so abrupt. With water birth at the same timepromotes skin-to-skin contactwhich promotes improvement and reinforcement of the maternal-fetal bond.
Contraindications to water birth
Despite the more than obvious benefits of water birth… there are some contraindications or disadvantages to this modality.
We must first mention the possibility of not achieving an optimal level of analgesia, that is, that pain in childbirthdo not remit. In this case you can always get out of the bathtub and have the option of an epidural. However, this will not be the only condition to take into account when leaving the water. It will be essential to do so in the event of any complication. Relaxation and pain reduction These are key points to keep in mind but… they can make the birth process slows down. So when having a water birth, it is best to submerge yourself once the birth process is active. Of course it must be emphasized that NOT all pregnancies are suitablefor this mode of delivery. This is the case of those in whom there is fetal distress,multiple pregnancy, premature pregnancy, etc.
Where is water birth performed?
Until recently, water birth was an alternative that caused fearswhich meant that it was hardly contemplated since there were also not many specialized centers that could provide guarantees and security regarding it.
However, as the years went by and after observing the increase in the number of pregnant women who want to try this modality there has been a increase in centers and hospitals that they do it that way. Some hospitals that carry out this practice are the following:
- Torrejón de Ardoz Hospital (Madrid);
- Hospital de la Plana (Valencia);
- Virxe Hospital of Xunqueira de Cee (A Coruña);
- Santa Caterina Hospital (Gerona);
- Huércal-Olvera Hospital (Almería).
Patricia Antón from the One to One team
At SingularMom we are happy to help you through our online birth preparation course . With it you will be able to have the best weapon to break your fears: information.
Our simple and practical online course It will help you make your own decisions at this important time. Our goal? May you enjoy a active, healthy and full pregnancy preventing any possible complication or sequel, both physical and psychological.
