Is Water Birth Safe?

 

With the rising awareness of the side effects of drugs during labor and delivery more and more women opt for water birth. How safe is water birth?

 

Throughout the ages, warm water baths have been used to as a natural means to relieve pain and muscle aches, restore emotional balance, and as a drug-free therapy for a number of illnesses.  For this reason, many expectant mothers and families still embrace water baths as the method of pain relief.  With the rising awareness of the side effects of drugs during labor and delivery many healthy expectant moms who are having an uncomplicated pregnancy and women who trust the birth process, wish to avoid drug interventions and medications, opt for water birth.
 
A baby emerging from a water-filled uterus into a warm bath, gently lifted to the surface is not rushed to breath during water birth.  The trigeminal nerve is gently stimulated as the cool air touches it which triggers the first breath as the newborn baby rests on the mother’s chest, while it is welcomed into the world.  Water birth is a gentle beginning to a baby.  Over the years, midwives, doulas, and doctors encourage pregnant women to utilize a water birth because they have seen its positive benefits to both mothers and babies.  Water birth is a natural, safe and effective option to giving birth.  The only side effect is – somebody gets wet.