With all of the information available online, there are too many childbirth options you can consider. One of the most “ancient” delivery techniques is water birth. The water birth technique is a common form of hydrotherapy used to keep the child and mother in the least amount of artificial medicine, which promises less effect on either.
This birth technique is a process wherein the mother is submerged in water, mostly breast down, and the baby is delivered underwater. However, there are different stages of labor, which depending on your health condition, can also mean that the baby will be delivered outside the water tub used for the purpose.
While experts have varying thoughts on this delivery process, here we will dissect everything that you should know about the water birth technique. It is also important to consult your gynecologist before opting for a water birth delivery.
Pros of Water Birth Technique
- As water has therapeutic qualities, this birth technique soothes the mother’s body. The first stage of labor means pain, contractions, and cervix dilating. Water accelerates this process more than epidurals and routine IVs, which might hinder it otherwise. Secondly, once the cervix is finally open for delivery, the mother needs to push the baby out through the birth canal. Water helps this stage by decreasing pain usually felt by the mother in medicated vaginal delivery.
- There are lower cases of vaginal infection during the water birth technique. This is possible as only the gynecologist and a midwife or doula are involved in the process
- Waterbirth also makes the body more free than when the mother is delivering on a bed. Buoyancy plays a huge role in this.
- Being submerged in water also increases blood circulation in the body. This means that the mother will receive better oxygenation in the uterine muscles, where it is most required. This will lead to lesser pain and the baby will be delivered more easily than in other delivery techniques.
- There is a reason why swimming relaxes your nerves. Hydrotherapy can also help eliminate the stress hormones produced due to anxiety and fatigue while the mother is in labor.
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