What are the benefits and drawbacks to a water birth? A water birth is a safe option for a low risk mom. The water can help to lessen pain and pretect the perineum. Well the benefits to laboring in the...
Well the benefits to laboring in the water, because of the way that it decreases pain and enhances the mothers intuitive movement, therefore enhances the descend and rotation of the baby through the pelvis. We know that mothers feel less pain in water. Also when mothers give birth in water she experiences less perineal trauma which is incredibly important for mothers. The episiotomy rate of mothers giving birth in water is very low. And the mother's risk of tearing or extensive tearing to the perineum is very low also when she gives birth in water. This is probably due to her ability to move intuitively and move her body quickly to change positions as the baby is being born, not to mention, the water actually helps support her tissues better and provides better elasticity to the tissues as they stretch for the moment of birth. It is also sometimes helpful for babies because it is a very smooth transition for them. We know that the babies have inborn reflexes and instincts that keep them from taking a breath under water so the babies transition, when it is born in the water, is actually a little bit slower and it doesn't start breathing until it is brought out to the air to the surface.
The drawbacks might be that you might not be able to change positions quickly if the baby needs to be born quickly. Also if the mother needs to get out of the tub it may be harder to do that if the birth becomes complicated in anyway. It may be also be difficult for the midwife or the care provider to get in to a position where she can help facilitate the birth if it needs to be quick. Another drawback is that it does kind of provide separation of the mother and her attendant.
