“How popular are water births?”
I am 4 months pregnant and thinking about birthing options. This is my first child. Have you seen any overwhelming benefits of water birthing? Is it safe? Would I need to do this from home?
17 Answers
No, none. I have seen risks and problems as a result of under water birth and aspiration by the baby. I would not recommend water birth at all, and I would defintely suggest to deliver at a birthing center or a hopsital. Some hospitals allow more natural birthing expereinces than traditional. Discuss with your doctor or midwife about option near where you live.
Not certain how popular they are, but it's available. It has its risks and should be carefully considered.
Not so popular, and I have no experience in it. Not advisable for pregnancy at risk of complication. A hospital is the safest choice, in my opinion.
I do not do water births. It is usually something done in birthing centers and is something you should discuss with your OB/midwife if you decide that it is something you would like to do. It is always an option for low risk pregnancies, but not if you have a complicated pregnancy.
This article just came out about an infant who obtained a life-threatening infection after a water birth (see below link). At this time, while they may reduce pain in early stages of labor. It is recommended that you deliver in a clean and dry setting.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-childbirth-hot-tubs/hot-tub-birth-tied-to-life-threatening-infection-for-baby-idUSKBN1CS2KN
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-childbirth-hot-tubs/hot-tub-birth-tied-to-life-threatening-infection-for-baby-idUSKBN1CS2KN
I am, probably, unqualified to answer this question since this is not an option I have ever given to patients. I would seek another opinion.
Judy
God ... has at the last of these days spoken to us in the Son .... Hebrews 1:1-2
Judy
God ... has at the last of these days spoken to us in the Son .... Hebrews 1:1-2
Water birth became a little popular in the 80’s . Have not heard of one being done in years. It was a fad. Know of no advantage to this type of birth. The baby has to move from water to an air environment and see no advantage in delaying this
This is somewhat of an outlier and I would say this---you are bringing a most sacred package into the world----why would you want to take ANY chance in delivering that precious cargo.
Rob Muller
Rob Muller
Water births would need to be done at home or in a birthing center, in most areas. Depending on where you live, this may or may not be an option. ACOG, the board by which I practice does not promote out of the hospital births.
I will not recommend water birthing, there is more damage than benefits.
I personally do not have experience in water births as an OB/GYN. Usually this is done by midwives. I would recommend you find a local practice and sit for a consultation. Not many midwives offer home births. Several hospitals have the tub that would allow you to have a water birth. Only issue it is not in every room and is based on availability.
Hi there.
Water births are not offered at most hospitals anymore due to an increased risk of infection that has been associated.
Some birthing centers do offer them still and that generally would be under the care of a midwife rather than a physician.
Good luck!!
Dr Boyd
Water births are not offered at most hospitals anymore due to an increased risk of infection that has been associated.
Some birthing centers do offer them still and that generally would be under the care of a midwife rather than a physician.
Good luck!!
Dr Boyd
I do not advise water births, nor home births.
Although George Washington was born at home, emergencies may occur at any
time.
If you are interested in successful child rearing, you are invited to read
my book:
INSANITY OF WARS
A preview is available at insnityofwars.com
Best wishes,
A.David Barnes,MD, MPH, FACOG
Although George Washington was born at home, emergencies may occur at any
time.
If you are interested in successful child rearing, you are invited to read
my book:
INSANITY OF WARS
A preview is available at insnityofwars.com
Best wishes,
A.David Barnes,MD, MPH, FACOG
I generally do not recommend any births outside of a hospital. It is rare to find a hospital that had this capacity.
Water births were popular for a short time many years ago, but proved to be quite dangerous due to infections in newborns. Bacterial colonization of birthing tubs has been very difficult to control.
The risk definitely outweighs any benefits.
Sent from Kathie Boyd
The risk definitely outweighs any benefits.
Sent from Kathie Boyd
Water births are losing their popularity lately only because many birthing centers are limiting the availability. Their safety depends on how your pregnancy is, any risk factors and any need to monitor your baby closely during labor. It is much safer to pick a birthing center that offers these than doing it at home.
The potential benefit for the mother is that staying in water during labor may help reduce pain. There are however concerns of harm to the baby being delivered in water. Delivery at home is generally not recommended because labor is dynamic and complications can occur. Some hospitals have water baths for labor, so you will have to find out what your hospital offers.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.
