With its numerous advantages over a regular delivery, water birth is fast becoming a preferred option for women worldwide. Not only is this type of delivery less painful for the mother, this type of birth has advantages for the baby too. 
 

What is it all about? 

A water birth is a birth that takes place when the mother is submerged in water during labour. The baby is expelled from the uterus into the water, and then slowly raised outside the water tub. 
 

Relaxing

Water has a very analgesic and soothing effect. If a woman in labour lies down in a warm tub, her body relaxes and is less likely to secrete stress-related hormones. Women achieve a certain level of comfort in water that reduces fear and stress levels. 
 

Is there less pain?

Water divides pressure equally on all parts of a woman in labour, thereby reducing pain. Also, as her stress levels decrease, her sensory stimulation is reduced. As a result, the mother-to-be can concentrate calmly on the birth process. This allows her body to produce the pain inhibitors -- endorphins -- that compliment labour. 
 

Better contractions

As the lower half of the body is under water, the blood supply to the uterus is increased. Naturally, contractions of the uterus are faster and more efficient. The mother also feels less pressure on the abdomen and uterus with contractions. 
 

Fewer episiotomies 

Almost after every regular delivery, a woman has to undergo several stitches. As the foetus emerges from the vaginal canal, the perineum tissue is stretched to a tearing point. Often physicians use a minor surgical incision (episiotomy) to facilitate faster delivery. But due to episiotomy, a woman undergoes a painful and prickly sensation even after labour. The stitches heal after three weeks.

When a woman gives birth underwater, her tissues are softened and more elastic and therefore less likely to tear. And even if they do tear, they are usually minor surface tears. 
 

Better for the baby too

During a normal delivery, a newborn baby is forced to move from a comfortable watery womb to an alien environment. In water birth, the baby gently travels from the amnio fluids of the womb to a warm birthing water tub. Water thus provides for a gentle birth.
 

Breathless?

No, a baby does not drown due to the water birth method. When the baby is in the uterus, it has no contact with outside air and has no need to use its lungs. It gets oxygen from the umbilical cord. A baby breathes only when the skin comes in contact with air. Therefore, water birth is safe for the baby too.
 

When should a mother enter the water?

Sometimes water may relax the mother-to-be too much. This might slow down labour. Therefore, staying active during labor is beneficial. Ideally, a woman should wait until her labor progresses. However, there can be no rules in this regard. It should be left to the woman. It largely depends on the dilation of the uterus.
 

Where can you get it done?

Water births are natural and the entire purpose is to go through the birth process without the interference of doctors and hospitals. Most people from around the globe prefer to do it at home, assisted by a midwife. It is best, however, to speak to your gynaecologist for further advice.