Today, the increase in the types of birth methods directs expectant mothers to alternative birth methods. Water birth, which has become popular in recent years, is one of them. Water birth is a form of birth away from the delivery room, where the mother feels less pain and less medical intervention. The mother, whose time of birth comes, gives birth in a sterile pool with water at a certain temperature. Water birth takes place under the supervision of doctors and nurses in hospitals or gynecology clinics that offer this opportunity. You can continue reading the article for more detailed information on the topics "What is water birth?" and "How is water birth?".
What is Water Birth?
Water birth, It is a form of normal birth in which all or most of the labor is performed in water. It is the mother-to-be being in a tub filled with 37 degrees water, covering her belly after the birth begins. Since the normal body temperature is 37 degrees, the water temperature is adjusted accordingly to provide the ideal temperature. During the birth period, the temperature of the water may change with the amniotic fluid, urine and similar substances. The water temperature is kept under constant control so that the temperature of the water does not change. While the entire labor can take place in the pool, the expectant mother can also be taken to the delivery table during the birth. For a water birth to occur, certain procedures must be performed. The necessary conditions for a water birth are as follows:
- The expectant mother's request for a water birth
- The doctor's approval of the birth in water
- The pregnancy is in the low risk group
- Being between 37-42 weeks of pregnancy
- Normal estimated baby weight is 2500-4000 gr.
- The baby's heart rate is normal
- The expectant mother is not obese or overweight
How to Give Birth in Water?
Undoubtedly, the question of "how to give birth in water?" is one of the most frequently asked questions by expectant mothers who plan to give birth in water. Water birth involves the process of giving birth in a water-filled tub or inflatable pool. This type of tub birth can be preferred by expectant mothers who are afraid of normal birth. water birth job The process begins when the person whose time of birth has come to apply to a hospital or maternity clinic that is predetermined and offers water birth conditions. Apart from these, water birth can also take place at home, on demand and provided the necessary conditions are met. The necessary conditions for water birth to take place are as follows:
- Doctor, nurse, midwife, birth coach etc. will help the birth to take place. presence of health professionals such as
- The pool or tub where the birth will take place is sterile and other necessary conditions are provided
- Infection control measures are taken
- For birth outside of water when necessary the appropriate environment is ready
- The temperature of the water is 37 degrees and there is the necessary preparation for it not to change
- Waterproof Doppler or electronic fetal (in the womb) monitoring tools
- Standard, filtered tap water
- Shoulder-length gloves
- Waterproof clothing and safety glasses used by paramedics assisting in childbirth
- Newborn radian for baby (the device that keeps the baby in the womb) and resuscitation (CPR and respiratory support) ) tools
- Towels, blankets, delivery kit etc. for the expectant mother
What are the Advantages of Water Birth?
Water birth, Thanks to the many advantages it provides, it is a method preferred by expectant mothers. If the baby is born in water, this can also enable the mother and baby to establish an emotional bond faster after birth. In addition, the baby, who is in the water for 9 months in the mother's womb, is born in a similar way to these conditions, which accelerates the adaptation process to the new world. One of the biggest advantages of water birth is the use of hot water. Hot water, which has been used for normal births since ancient times, has the effect of relaxing the vaginal muscles. The hot water used in water birth helps to reduce labor pains by providing relief in the perineum, vagina and cervix. Thanks to the buoyant force of the water, the mother is able to move comfortably and during straining is very phased. she won't have any difficulties. Again, with the relaxing and relaxing effect of hot water, endorphin hormone can be secreted into the body, and in this way, the mother can feel happier and more peaceful. Also, thanks to water birth, there is less use of episiotomy (surgical incision in the vagina to facilitate birth). In general, the advantages of water birth can be listed as follows:
- It can suppress the pain seen until the time of delivery to a great extent
- It can eliminate the need for epidural or spinal painkillers
- It can prevent the mother's rapid pain. It can shorten the time of birth by making it move
- It can reduce the effort and labor during childbirth
- It can prevent the baby's heartbeat from slowing down by accelerating the blood flow to the uterus
- With its rapidity, the oxygen going to the mother and baby can be increased
- Vaginal tears can be prevented
- It can reduce the emergency cesarean section that can be seen during normal delivery
- Thanks to the stimulation of the nipple by the water, milk can be prevented. release may accelerate
- Warm water may make the birth path of the baby looser
- Negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, excitement felt during birth may decrease
- In some mothers, postpartum development may occur. Postpartum depression may be less visible
- Can make childbirth a pleasant experience
What are the Risks of Water Birth?
In most cases, water birth It is considered safe and may, in very rare cases, pose a risk. Every woman who is in a position to have a normal birth can easily choose the water birth method. Although the risks of water birth are low, some undesirable situations may still develop. Some of the risks of water birth include:
- Mother or baby may become infected
- Excessive vaginal bleeding may occur
- There may be difficulty in monitoring the baby's heartbeat
- Baby Cord tie may break before getting out of the water
- Baby's body temperature may be lower or higher than normal
- Baby may swallow from tub water
- Baby may not be able to breathe or have seizures
- Shoulder dystocia (stiffening of the baby's shoulders after the baby's head passes through the vagina) may develop in the baby
Who Cannot Give Birth in Water?
Although water birth is a safe and healthy method of birth, it is not suitable for everyone. Some factors can prevent a water birth. Some of the conditions that prevent water birth in general are as follows:
- Those under the age of 17 or over the age of 35
- Having diabetes, hypertension and heart disease
- HIV and Hepatitis virus Being a carrier
- Those with genital herpes (herpes) disorder
- People who had a previous cesarean delivery
- Emptyation of amniotic fluid before labor begins
- Mother's normal Experiencing excessive bleeding menstruation (menstrual cycle) at the same time
- Presence of twin or multiple pregnancy
- If the baby will be born prematurely
- If the baby has entered the womb from the breech area, not upside down
- If the baby is heavier than normal
- If there is an existing infection
- If there is preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning)
- The mother should be sedated (half-drowsy) ) use of drugs that may cause
- In general, expectant mothers with reasons that prevent normal birth
Read: 30
