Contents:
- Medical Video: What should I know if I'm considering a water birth?
- Benefits water birth
- Risk water birth
Medical Video: What should I know if I'm considering a water birth?
Give birth in water or water birth lately the trend has become one of the methods of childbirth that can be chosen by pregnant women. Giving birth in water is believed to reduce pain during childbirth. Mothers in a more relaxed condition during childbirth in water. And, the baby is born in an environment similar to the amniotic fluid in the womb. However, however benefits and risks water birth there must be.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explained that water birth during the first stage of labor may provide various benefits. However, besides that too water birth can provide risks for babies.
Benefits water birth
Giving birth in water is certainly very different from giving birth to the normal way. Warm water that is used by childbirth method water birth can help mothers stay relaxed, comfortable, and feel more controlled. This makes the pain that the mother feels during childbirth becomes less during childbirth in water. Water also seems to reduce stress hormones, allowing the mother's body to produce endorphins which function as pain inhibitors.
Giving birth in water also makes it easier for the mother to move, so that the mother can find various positions that are comfortable for childbirth. Another benefit, which can make uterine contractions more efficient and improve blood circulation, so that the flow of oxygen to the muscles of the mother's uterus is better, maternal pain is reduced, and oxygen to the baby is also flowed in sufficient quantities. Water can also make the perineal muscle more elastic and relaxed. This can reduce the severity of the torn vagina and the need for episiotomy.
Benefits water birth not only for mothers, however also benefits the baby. Water provides an environment similar to that in the womb, amniotic fluid. So that this can reduce the stress of the baby at birth and increase comfort for babies at birth.
Risk water birth
In addition to the many benefits provided by water birth for mother and baby, however water birth can also pose a risk. One risk water birth is an infection of the mother and baby. However, some experts believe that water birth safe and will not cause infection, especially if done with proper sterilization.
Next concern when doing water birth is afraid the baby will breathe in water so that it breathes water. However, this really doesn't need to worry about you. Infants born indirectly will take a breath. The new baby will breathe when it is exposed to air or until the umbilical cord is cut. So, while still in water, the baby will continue to receive oxygen from the umbilical cord and not breathe.
However, there are potential risks water birth this can develop if there is a problem with the baby's umbilical cord during delivery The baby's umbilical cord can be twisted, bent, or may break before the baby comes out of the water. This increases the likelihood that the baby will take his first breath in water. However, this can actually be prevented with caution when removing the baby to the mother's chest after birth.
The point is, if water birth done carefully and in accordance with what should be done, then water birth safe to do with very little risk. Keep in mind that not all pregnant women can do water birth. Only pregnant women with healthy pregnancies can give birth by this method. If you want to give birth by method water birth, you should consult with your obstetrician first.
