Effect of Water on Birth

Birth is a very special moment when expectant mothers bring their sweet babies into the world. For this reason, most people want this moment to be completed flawlessly and without any problems. Various methods have been developed to ensure that childbirth takes place as easily as possible.

This method, which has been applied in different countries around the world for about 30 years, as the name suggests, involves the expectant mother giving birth in a specially designed tub filled with water. This method has recently become one of the most frequently preferred options among mothers who choose natural birth.

What Is Water Birth Like?

It is a well-known fact that expectant mothers have various concerns about childbirth during pregnancy. Besides this issue, the fact that babies are in the amniotic fluid in the womb has led to the development of the water birth method. The purpose of this method is to reduce the fear of childbirth for expectant mothers and to ensure a smooth birth process.

A specially designed tub is filled with water at approximately 37 degrees Celsius. This temperature is maintained at the same level as the human body's natural temperature to prevent the baby from being affected by the birth. When the expectant mother enters the water, she feels safer, which helps reduce her fears and stress. After a certain period, vaginal birth takes place along with labor contractions.

Positive Aspects of Water Birth

There are many positive aspects of water birth. The effect of water increases blood circulation, preventing the vaginal muscles from excessive stretching. In this way, the muscles contract more comfortably, preventing many complications during birth, primarily vaginal tearing.

A baby who was inside the womb in amniotic fluid is born into water at the same temperature. Since the baby is born into water at the same temperature, it remains calmer and cries less. This method does not pose any harm to the mother or the baby. However, it is crucial that the team performing the water birth has sufficient knowledge and experience in this method.

Benefits of Water Birth

The risk level of water birth is almost the same as that of other methods. However, compared to other methods, water birth has several advantages. One of the most important advantages is that the expectant mother has the opportunity to relax. Other advantages are listed as follows:

• Prevents labor pains from becoming too intense.
• Allows childbirth to occur in a shorter period than usual.
• Generally, labor occurs without the need for artificial induction.
• Water birth reduces the need for other medical interventions besides artificial induction.
  • It helps the birth canal relax, increasing its elasticity, which facilitates an easier delivery.
  • The level of pain experienced is lower. The mother, feeling secure in the water, feels stronger during labor.
  • Water increases the secretion of oxytocin. When this hormone is sufficiently secreted, contractions become more regular, which is highly beneficial for childbirth.
  • The transition from amniotic fluid to water of the same temperature helps babies remain calmer in the future.

Is Water Birth Harmful?

This method, which differs from normal childbirth methods, is associated with some risks. The main risk is that the baby remains underwater after birth. Additionally, pulling the baby too quickly while still submerged could potentially harm the umbilical cord.

Despite these concerns, the baby remaining underwater does not pose a health threat; rather, it helps the baby calm down more quickly. When water birth is performed by an experienced team, there is no significant risk or problem.