Giving birth in water is a great option for many pregnant women looking for a natural birth. Natural water births are a peaceful and gentle way to start your new life as a parent. And a water birth is something that you can do at home or possibly at your birthing facility.
You may have heard about a new way to give birth--in water. Natural water births are increasingly popular with women looking for a different way to give birth. However, there are some things to keep in mind if you're going to give birth in water including safety concerns, possible restrictions and that you will not be able to get pharmacological pain relief. But proponents of water births emphasize its peace, and theorize that it's better for mothers and babies. Babies are more gently eased into the world, coming into a water environment that they're used to, rather than an air environment. In mothers, water births decrease their pain level, may speed up birth (once the mother's past early labor) and may decrease the possibility of perineal tears.
Find a Birthing Tub
To give birth in water, the first thing you're going to need is water in a tub. If you're giving birth at a hospital, find out if your hospital or another in your area does natural water births. If you're planning on a home birth you'll either have to use a large tub in your home or rent/buy an inflatable, portable birthing tub you can set up wherever you want. If you're having a home birth chances are your midwife knows how to get you a portable tub.
You will also have to make sure you can control the temperature of the water. Too hot or too cold can stress the baby. Controlling the water temperature may be as simple as using a thermometer and adding or subtracting water.
Understand There may be Restrictions
While giving birth in water is very comfortable and safe for the majority of pregnant women, many care providers have restrictions and won't allow every woman to give birth in a tub. In general, your birth should be low risk, you should not have an infection, gestational diabetes, a genital lesion, bleeding disorders, be attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or be delivering multiples.
If your care provider doesn't want you to deliver in water, see if you can pass part of your labor in the tub. This will make your labor a little easier and may help you to avoid an epidural or other interventions.