Some studies have been done in Europe demonstrating similar perinatal mortality rates between water births and conventional births. According to an article written by the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, there may be a theoretical risk of water embolism, which is when water enters the mother’s blood stream.
Though the British Medical Journal is 95% confident in water births, they do see a possible risk for water aspiration. If the baby is experiencing stress in the birth canal or the umbilical cord becomes kinked or twisted, the baby may gasp for air, possibly inhaling water into the lungs.
This would be rare because babies do not inhale air until they are exposed to air. They receive oxygen through the umbilical cord until they start to breathe on their own or until the cord is cut. The final potential risk to consider is that the umbilical cord could snap as the baby is brought to the surface of the water. This is preventable by using caution when lifting the baby up to the mother’s chest.
Though the British Medical Journal is 95% confident in water births, they do see a possible risk for water aspiration. If the baby is experiencing stress in the birth canal or the umbilical cord becomes kinked or twisted, the baby may gasp for air, possibly inhaling water into the lungs.
This would be rare because babies do not inhale air until they are exposed to air. They receive oxygen through the umbilical cord until they start to breathe on their own or until the cord is cut. The final potential risk to consider is that the umbilical cord could snap as the baby is brought to the surface of the water. This is preventable by using caution when lifting the baby up to the mother’s chest.
How do I prepare for a water birth:
- Check first with your health care provider. They may already be equipped for water birth with a special tub, or know where to refer you in your area.
- If you plan to give birth at a hospital, make sure their policies are water birth friendly. More and more hospitals are welcoming parents who want to try water birth.
- You can rent a birthing tub for about $350. Check online or in the phone book. Be sure to ask if fees include shipping both ways and any other extras to make your birth experience more enjoyable. Check with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse the expense of the rental.
- Contact a local birth center to see if they provide water birth options.