Water births : the facts

Are water births easier?
They can be. 'Water helps you stay relaxed,' says midwife Louise Adams. 'It triggers your natural painkillers and helps you get into the best position for your baby to descend into the birth canal.

• A Swiss study in 2000 found you are less likely to require an episiotomy (cut) if you use a birthing pool.
• Don't get into the pool before you are 5cm dilated - any earlier and the water could stop your contractions rather than speed things up.

Are water births safe?
Yes, very safe for low-risk pregnancies. 'We use underwater monitors to assess the baby's wellbeing and will trasnfer the mum to the obstetric maternity unit if there's cause for concern,' says Louise.

Don't worry about your baby drowning as he won't take his first breath until he is brought to the surface.

• A water birth is not recommended if you have any risk factors, for example if your baby is breech, you have a multiple pregnancy, you have high blood pressure or diabetes, or if you're obese. 

Can I have any pain relief?
'Only gas and air, but the combination of that and water is usually very effective,' says Louise.

First-time mums who labout in water are half as likely to need painkilling drugs, some studies suggest.

• You can always come out of the birth pool if you need something stronger to help with the pain. 

Will my baby benefit from a water birth?
Possibly. 'Many mums feel their babies are calmer and find it easier to bond,' says Louise.

You're less likely to need medical intervention, which may benefit your newborn too because some drugs, eg pethidine, can cause early feeding and breathing difficulties for some babies.

• You are also more likely to have skin to skin contact after the birth, which encourages breastfeeding.

How can I get a water birth?
Discuss your birth options with your midwife, who will be able to let you know whether your loval maternity unit has water birth facilities.

But there is no guarantee the birthing pool will be free on the day - unless you're planning to deliver at home, in which case you'll need to hire or buy a birthing pool.

• See www.thegoodbirth.co.uk or www.activebirthcentre.com for a list of pool-hire companies.

Start a discussion :: Print this article ::