Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some
women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women
decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. The theory behind water
birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for nine
months, birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less
stressful for the mother.
In the later stages of labor, the water has been shown to increase the woman’s
energy.
Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, reducing the
incidence and severity of tearing and the need for anepisiotomy and stitches.
As the laboring woman relaxes physically, she is able to relax mentally with
greater ability to focus on the birth process.
Since the water provides a greater sense of privacy, it can reduce inhibitions,
anxiety, and fears.
Eases the stress of birth, thus increasing reassurance and sense of security.
What are the risks to the mother and baby?
Over the last 30 years as water birth has grown in popularity, there has been
very little research regarding the risks of water birth. Some studies in Europe
have shown similar perinatal mortality rates between water births and
conventional births. 1
If the baby is experiencing stress in the birth canal or if the umbilical cord
becomes kinked or twisted, the baby might gasp for air with the possibility of
inhaling water. 3
This would be a rare occurrence because babies do not normally inhale until
they are exposed to air. They continue to receive oxygen through the
umbilical cord until they start to breathe on their own or until the cord is cut.
The final potential risk is that the umbilical cord could snap as the baby is
brought to the surface of the water. This can be prevented by using caution
when lifting the baby up to the mother’s chest.
If you have Herpes: Herpes transfers easily in water, so you should discuss
this risk thoroughly with your health care provider.
If your baby is breech: Although water birth has been done with bottom or
feet first presentations, you should discuss this risk thoroughly with your
health care provider.
If you are having multiples: Although water births have been successful
around the world with twin births, you should discuss this risk thoroughly
with your doctor.
The risk depends on the temperature. If the water is too hot,dehydration and
overheating become risks to you and the baby. You should try to stay well
hydrated and make sure the temperature of water stays at 97 degrees
Fahrenheit. Birthing pools are specifically designed to prevent this problem.
First check with your health care provider. They may already be equipped for
water birth with a special tub, or might know of a location in your area that is
equipped for this.
If you plan to give birth at a hospital, make sure their policies permit water
birth. Increasing numbers of hospitals are welcoming parents who desire
water birth.
You can rent a birthing tub online for about $350. Be sure to ask if the cost
includes shipping both ways and what extras they offer to make your birth
experience more enjoyable. Check with your insurance company to see if
they will reimburse the cost of the rental.
Contact a local birth center to see if they offer a water birth option.
http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/water-birth/