Water birth pros and cons. Personal experience?
ByI have decided to switch from my current OB/GYN to a doctor that also has a midwife. I want my doctor to look and me, my baby, and my family…not just my pregnancy. I hope that switching to a midwife will let me accomplish that.
So my question is:
What are the pros and cons to water birth?
Any personal experiences?
Thank you!
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2 Comments
April 23rd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
PROS
Significant pain relief is provided by getting into a tub. Some have compared it to the relaxing benefit of a narcotic.
The water reduces gravity’s pull of the baby toward the mother’s back, thereby reducing pain from back labor.
There is some evidence that tearing may be reduced in waterbirths.
Tub options also include jets that can be directed to specific painful areas
CONS
Not all places of birth have tubs or providers familiar with using them. It is more common to find a facility or provider who will allow hydrotherapy during labor but not allow the actual birth to take place in the tub.
This is not an option for high-risk mothers or after complications arise such as maternal high BP, meconium present in the amniotic fluid after the mother’s water breaks or concern with the baby’s heart rate/fetal distress.
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I had a water birth with my daughter and I can’t tell you enough how much it relieved contraction pains. I mean it was still horribly painful, but it was also easier to push being lubricated like that. I am all for it! I will definitely be doing it again for the next one. I had an OB for the first half of my pregnancy and switched to a midwife and it was so much better! I will never go back to an OB!