Water Birthing

Who is eligible for a Water Birth?

Water birthing is a wonderful technique that has been used all over the world for ages, however, it may not be an option for everyone. At Surya Hospital, we recommend the procedure only after making sure that you fit in the eligibility criteria. These include:

• If pregnancy is full term i.e. labour is induced naturally after 37 weeks of pregnancy
• If the pregnancy is low-risk, with both the mother and the baby having no significant health conditions
• If the expectant mother does not have pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes
• If the expectant mother does not have a pre-existing bleeding disorder or hypertension
• If the expectant mother is carrying just one baby, i.e. it is a singleton pregnancy
• If the position of the baby is stable, and the baby is in a head-down position
• If the amniotic fluid levels are normal as this is important for the babys safety

What happens during a Water Birth?

If this is your first time, we understand that you must be curious about how water birth works. Our experts will brief you about the procedure to help you understand what actually happens during it. You will be required to enter a large tub filled with warm water as soon as your labour starts or during the final stage when you feel that you are ready. We recommend the former as it will help you to relax and ease the pain. Our experts will closely monitor you throughout the process and offer assistance as per your requirements. You may occasionally need to change your position for better support.

How does the baby breathe under the water?

When a baby is developing inside the womb of the expectant mother, it gets the required nutrition and oxygen via the placentae and umbilical cords. During waterbirth, when the baby comes out, it continues to breathe via the same mechanism, until pulled out of the water., which stimulates their receptors and it starts breathing normally.

How does Water Birth benefit the mother?

Heres how water birthing benefits the expectant mother:

• Warm water helps you to relax and although it does not have a direct impact on the pain, it does offer a more comforting environment that helps you cope more easily
• The rule of buoyancy comes into play here. The force of water, though not very significant, makes it easier for you to re-position your body occasionally.
• Heat helps to improve the circulation of blood, so immersing your body in warm water is quite likely to help improve blood flow to the uterus
• During vaginal birth, many women may have a perineal tear or might need a surgical cut to pave the way for the baby to come out. Immersing your body in water helps to improve the elasticity of the perineal tissues, thereby making it easier for the baby to come out without any cuts or tears.

How does Water Birth benefit the baby?

Heres how water birthing benefits the baby

• Birthing experience is not only challenging for the mother but for the baby as well. This is because they have to undergo a major transition, leaving a calm environment in which they have been growing for months. Being born in a birthing tub helps to make this transition smooth and comforting.
• As the perineal tissue is more relaxed you do not have to force out the baby. This makes the experience smoother for the mother, as well as the little one
• The temperature of the water is maintained with continuous monitoring to ensure that it is neither too hot nor too cold for the baby