Labor and delivery

Why Waterbirth?

By Jennifer Vanderlaan

As you prepare for giving birth, you may be given the option of laboring or birthing in a specially designed tub or pool. While this may seem unusual, there are some real reasons you will want to consider this option.

Comfort

First, 9 out of 10 women who labor in water say that it was at least somewhat helpful, 5 out of 10 say it is very helpful. In another study, 8 out of 10 women who labored in water say they will use it again during their next childbirth experience. Women who labor in water are less likely to ask for pain killing medications. Simply stated, laboring in water is more comfortable for most women. There are several reasons laboring in water may be more comfortable. The warmth of the water is soothing to the skin. The buoyancy of the water helps to support the weight of a woman's body which reduces the stress on her muscles and tissues. This allows a woman to have a larger range of motion and the ability to use positions that otherwise would be too difficult or uncomfortable. The woman is able to work with her labor while contractions progress as effectively as possible with less pain.

Intact perineum

In a study comparing more than 2,000 waterbirths to births on land, researchers concluded that waterbirth had the least risk of episiotomy and the best chances of having no tear at all. Births under water had half the risk of involving a third- or fourth-degree tear when compared to births on a birth bed.

It is not clearly understood whether it is the water that softens and helps the perineum to stretch, or whether being in water makes it more difficult for the midwife to do an episiotomy. Either way, waterbirth helps keep perineums intact. Though waterbirth will not completely remove the risk of damage to the perineum, it can help. When combined with good prenatal preparation such as pelvic floor exercises, good nutrition, and perineal massage, your chances of having an intact perineum are best with a waterbirth.

Blood loss

Blood loss is normal after birth, but excessive blood loss can be dangerous for the mother. For some reason women who give birth underwater lose less blood than women who give birth out of water. It is possible that the decreased loss of blood is because of the decrease in perineal damage when birth happens under water. Another theory is that the pressure of the water prevents excessive bleeding. This seems possible since the highest blood loss in the trial was to women who gave birth on a low stool, a position which puts extra pressure on any tears that may happen during birth.

Availability

If you think you might like to have a waterbirth, be advised that it is not available everywhere. Contact the midwives in your area to find out who is trained and what facilities are available. You may also consider renting or purchasing a labor tub for use during a homebirth. Your local midwives and doulas should be able to help you find resources. Waterbirth International can also be a great tool for making your waterbirth a reality. They have research and information you can give to your midwife and can assist your local hospital or birth center in setting up a waterbirth program.