Water birth, which we have heard of frequently in recent years and whose preference rate has increased as it reduces the pain during childbirth, is an increasingly popular birth method. Since the birth actually takes place vaginally, water birth, a variant of normal birth, takes place in warm water in specially prepared tubs. Water birth, which is not as painless as epidural birth but aims to reduce pain with the effect of water, can be performed in some private and public hospitals in our country.
What is the purpose of water birth?
The aim of giving birth under water is to reduce the stress of the expectant mother with the relaxing effect of water and to ensure that the birth goes faster and more comfortably. Water birth can also reduce the use of pain medication during labor. However, relaxing the muscles of the perineum-vagina with the effect of water helps the expectant mother to feel better during labor, to feel less pain and to have a much more comfortable birth.
How does a water birth take place?
In order for a water birth to take place, the tub specially prepared for the birth is filled with water at around 37°C. Since very hot water can cause changes in the blood circulation of the expectant mother and sudden low blood pressure and decreases in blood flow to the placenta can be seen, 37°C should be kept constant throughout the delivery. After the bathtub is filled, the expectant mother, who starts labor pains, is taken into the pool. When the expectant mother sits in the water, signs of calming and relaxation are observed in a short time with the effect of the water.
Meanwhile, the doctor or midwife who will deliver the baby enters the pool with the equipment she needs to use during the birth and delivers the baby. During labor, the baby is not brought to the surface until the baby’s body is completely out of the water. The baby gets the oxygen it needs through the umbilical cord, so the umbilical cord is cut when the baby is brought to the water surface. The baby is taken out of the water by touching its head and face within 7-10 seconds and reunited with the mother.
As the expectant mother may sweat excessively and lose fluid if she stays in the water for too long, the delivery should be as fast and short as possible.
