Normal birth taking place in water is defined as water birth. Water birth is considered a natural method for the fetus that has been in the amniotic fluid in the womb for 9 months. The process first started in the 1800s, when a French woman gave birth in a bathtub filled with water in order to facilitate her very long labor. Relaxing the expectant mother in water has become a method sometimes applied in modern obstetric clinics in the last 30 years, as it was determined that the feeling of pain decreases.
There are debates about the reliability of the water birth method. The possibility of infection of the expectant mother and the fetus and the danger of the baby suffocating are the focus of these discussions. A large-scale study was conducted in 2009. As a result, in water birth, less epidural anesthesia was required in the first period of pregnancy and the side effects of epidural were found to be reduced. In the last stage of birth, the buoyancy of the water gives the expectant mother physical strength. Hydrostatic force reduces the mother's weight and provides freedom of movement. With the heat and buoyancy of the water, blood flow to the uterus increases and more effective uterine contraction and better oxygenation are achieved. Water reduces stress and prevents anxiety and fear in the mother. It has been determined that vaginal tears are less common in water birth and the need for episiotomy is reduced. In addition to the mentioned benefits of water birth, some very important risks are mentioned. These risks are especially important for the newborn. Risk of suffocation of the baby, danger of asphyxia, pulmonary edema, hyponatremia and resulting seizures, brain damage due to hypoxia, infections, especially pseudomonas infection, may be dangers awaiting the baby. In an article published in the British medical journal called British Journal in 1999, the results of the study for 4029 water birth cases were published. In this publication, it is emphasized that there is no difference in the results of birth on land and in water. However, in the UK, water birth is only allowed for uncomplicated pregnancies. As a result of limited studies conducted in America, it has been determined that water birth relieves the expectant mother, many successful births have been made, but in many cases, the newborn has problems. It was concluded that there should not be a different type of birth. However, there are not enough scientific, evidence-based, randomized controlled studies to make a definitive judgment on this issue.
If the expectant mother has a herpes infection, she should not have a water birth. This method cannot be used in multiple pregnancies, in breech births other than fetal head presentation, in malpresentations such as foot presentation, side presentation, in cases of premature birth, if the baby has made meconium in utero, if the expectant mother has high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
Specially made pools are used for water birth. The temperature and cleanliness of the water are extremely important. Water temperature should be around 37 degrees. If the water is contaminated, it should be changed periodically. Birth must be in a hospital environment. The heartbeat of the fetus must be monitored intermittently during labor. The team should be ready for immediate evaluation of the newborn.
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