Giving birth by methodwater birth so popular lately and referred to as one method give birth which minimal pain. Are you considering giving birth with this method? Come on, understand first the advantages and risks there is.
In the process of giving birth water birth or giving birth in water, you will be asked to sit, squat, or be in another comfortable position to push in the warm water.
Method water birth arguably very different from the conventional method where the mother undergoes the birth process by lying in the delivery room.
Advantages of Childbirth Water Birth
Giving birth by method water birth brings various advantages. Here are some of them:
1. Reduce pain
One of the advantages of the method water birth is to help reduce pain during labor. Like a warm bath, giving birth in warm water can also make the body more relaxed. You can breathe more regularly so as to relieve the pain of contractions.
2. Lmore comfortable
The process of giving birth by the method water birth makes you float in the water and makes your body feel lighter making it easier to move around in a comfortable position. The rule to remember when undergoing this method of delivery is to keep your knees in a lower position than your hips.
3. Facilitate the delivery process
Giving birth in water can make it easier for you to push in a sitting or squatting position, thereby possibly shortening the labor process.
4. Privacy more awake
Giving birth by method water birth provide more personal space, making it more flexible and comfortable. Some women feel more able to control their bodies while in the pool. This effect can be further felt by turning on the dim lights and keeping the room quiet.
Understanding the Risks of Water Birth
Even though it has many advantages, giving birth by the method water birth there are risks too. These risks include:
1. Sink
When giving birth in water, there is always a risk of drowning for the newborn. Infants may also be deprived of oxygen.
2. Infection
When you push, you will use the muscles you use to pass stool when you have a bowel movement, so you are more likely to pass stool during labour. This unexpected thing during labor is normal and usually the midwife will clean it up immediately.
If you give birth by method water birth and when this happens, feces are likely to contaminate the water used for childbirth. Newborns can taste the water so they are likely to get an infection.
3. Rinflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)
Although not supported by significant research results, babies are at risk for developing pneumonia or pneumonia if you give birth vaginally water birth. To prevent this, the water temperature must be maintained in the range of 36−37 degrees Celsius and the baby must be removed immediately after birth.
Pneumonia in infants born by the method water birth usually develops in the first 24–48 hours. One of the causes is that babies swallow water that has been contaminated with feces.
4. Meconium aspiration syndrome
The risk of water birth Next is the baby at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome. This condition occurs when the baby has defecated before birth, and the amniotic fluid contaminated with feces is inhaled by the baby, causing breathing problems.
Doctors and midwives can recognize this when the water breaks and mixes with meconium which is generally green, thick, and sticky.
It is very important to immediately suck the meconium fluid from the baby's respiratory tract as soon as the baby is expelled. Mother's current position water birth must be adjusted so that this action can be carried out immediately.
5. Damage to the umbilical cord
During childbirth water birth, usually the baby will be immediately lifted to the surface. However, the movement of bringing the baby up quickly poses a risk of tearing the umbilical cord and bleeding, which are the most common causes of anemia in infants.
Water Birth Forbidden for Certain Conditions
water birth has several advantages and risks. There are some women with certain conditions who should not give birth with this method, namely:
- Less than 17 years old or more than 35 years old
- Having an infection
- Having pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia or diabetes
- Will give birth to twins or more
- Premature baby age
- breech baby position
- Expected to give birth to a large baby
- Have a condition that requires the birthing process to be monitored regularly and cannot be done in the pool
Things to Consider Before Water Birth
If you are considering giving birth by method water birth, you should consult with medical personnel from the beginning of pregnancy. You should also find out which hospitals can provide these services.
Before deciding to give birth by method water birth, it helps you know what preparations must be made. Here are a few things to watch out for.
- Make sure you are accompanied by a midwife, obstetrician, or health professional during the delivery process.
- Make sure the pool to be used meets the standards and is kept clean.
- Practice appropriate infection control.
- Make sure you and your baby will be properly supervised while in the pool.
- Make a plan to get you out of the pool in case of complications.
- Keep the water temperature around 36−37 degrees Celsius
- Drink water during labor to avoid dehydration.
- Carefully determine the time to enter the pool. If it's too soon, it can actually slow down the labor process.
In order to give birth by method water birth running smoothly, try to choose a place and medical personnel who already have a certificate to serve childbirth water birth.
Giving birth by method water birth and other methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing is to put safety first. Therefore, consult with your obstetrician regarding the delivery method that suits your condition.