Everything you need to know about water births
Are you considering a water birth? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ve written about.
What is a water birth?
Do water births make labour less painful?
The risks of labouring in water
Can you use a birth pool in hospital?
Birthing positions during a water birth
Being monitored during a water birth
What to wear during a water birth
What is a water birth?
Water births are becoming an increasingly popular way to give birth. Essentially they involve spending part of labour and birth, generally later on in labour when surges become stronger, in water. While this can be any water, like a bath, birth pools are the most common way to have a water birth.
Do water births make labour less painful?
Water is a great option for non-pharmalogical pain relief. In the early stages of labour, this can be as simple as having a shower or bath. Later on in labour, being in a birthing pool or a birth pool can be an effective way to relieve the pain and tension. The buoyancy of the water can ease pressure on the body, potentially alleviating some of the pain and discomfort felt during contractions or surges. Also, being in water, especially if it’s warm, helps with relaxation, reducing stress hormones and promoting the oxytocin you need to help your labour progress.
There is insufficient evidence to put any data behind the benefits or disadvantages of water birth. That’s not because the effect isn’t there, but it’s very difficult to study and measure in a meaningful way. Anecdotally, many, many women and people report that they have felt great relief the moment they are in water, so we know that there is some impact on comfort.
The risks of labouring in water
As far as the risks of a water birth go, there is no evidence of any major risks to the mother or baby. In very rare cases, there is a risk of infection, so to mitigate this it’s important to keep the pool clean and use fresh water by only filling up the pool when it’s time (ie you’re in labour!). Use a liner if it’s a pool that has been used before or you’d like to use again.
The other question people ask is how can babies be born in water? Does water birth stop a baby breathing for a few seconds? When babies are born in water, they aren’t triggered to gasp and take that first breath. If you want to get geeky and know why this is, check out this article! Until they are out of the water, they won’t inhale and therefore create any respiratory problems and they will continue to rely on foetal circulation, not newborn circulation. So birthing your baby in water, catching them and bringing them to your chest, is not only safe, but a magical moment you might want to plan for.
Can you use a birth pool in hospital?
Water births can take place in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centres, or during a home birth. Many hospitals and birthing centres now offer water birth options, equipped with specially designed tubs and trained staff to assist throughout the process. The one thing to note is that not every room has a birthing pool, so it might not always be available, but midwives will try to meet your wishes if this is clearly stated on your birth preferences. For those opting for a home birth, you can buy or rent a birth pool. Setting up a birth pool at home can be a bit of a logistical feat, so we recommend practising well in advance of the big day!
Our founder Siobhan used a birth pool during a previous birth.
Birthing positions during a water birth
One of the perks of water birth is the freedom it provides in terms of birthing positions. The buoyancy of the water allows for more fluid movement and flexibility during labour, so you can maintain those UFO (upright, forward, open) positions. This can include squatting, kneeling, or even leaning on the edge of the tub for support. Your birth partner can support you with these positions too, from the edge of the pool. Experimenting with different positions can help you find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
Being monitored during a water birth
During most water births, whether they’re at home, in a midwife centre or in hospital, your midwife will be able to monitor the baby just as they would out of the water, with a waterproof heart rate monitor. If they want to examine you, you might need to get out of the pool, so maybe ask your midwife if an examination is essential and why they want to do it if you feel like you are relaxed in the pool.
If your baby needs continuous monitoring, which might be necessary during an induction or in other circumstances, such as when they have identified foetal distress, you would need to ask for wireless monitoring. If you think this is likely, ask your midwife if this is available at your hospital, as this will all contribute to your decision-making when applying your BRAIN acronym.
What to wear
Just like a birth on land, for your water birth you can wear whatever you want! The goal is to wear something that allows for freedom of movement while providing coverage and support as needed. Many people choose to wear a bikini whilst in the water. However, bras, sports bras, t-shirts and vests are all suitable options, as is wearing nothing at all!
Most people giving birth won’t wear anything on the bottom half so the midwife can have visibility, however you are also perfectly entitled to wear pants until you’re in the final stage of labour and you need to make room for baby!
Other things to think about when using a birth pool
There are several other factors to consider for a smooth and enjoyable water birth experience. These may include:
Temperature control: Make sure the water temperature remains within a comfortable range throughout labour to keep you and baby comfortable! The NICE guidelines recommend the temperature remaining below 37.5 degrees.
Post-birth care: After the baby is born, the birthing person may choose to remain in the water for a while longer and birth the placenta or opt for immediate skin-to-skin contact on dry land. Discussing post-birth preferences with healthcare providers beforehand can help ensure a seamless transition.
Preparation: If you’re planning a home waterbirth, have plenty of towels around to protect your house. It might be worth asking friends or family for any old towels that you can use. We also recommend a practice run so your birth partner, or whoever is setting up the pool knows what they’re doing before labour begins.
With proper preparation, support, and attention to detail, a water birth can be a beautiful and empowering experience and there can be lots of benefits. You can read a wide range of positive water birth stories here.
You can find more information on the benefits of a water birth and how to prepare for your birth in our Hypnobirthing Pack.
This blog was written by The Positive Birth Company content team. Experts in the antenatal and postnatal periods.