Question 1

is there a medical reason not to have a water birth?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A water birth puts a baby at unneeded risk without providing any benefit. To be blunt, the water will become contaminated with fecal matter which the baby can aspirate. This has resulted in neonatal deaths. The diving reflex often postulated to prevent this only occurs in cold water. Laboring in warm water can be helpful to moms trying for a drug-free birth, but please deliver in chair or bed.

Question 2

can water birth the best way to go?

Accepted Answer

See below: There are multiple techniques offered for childbirth, and new techniques, as well as old ones, come in and out of vogue. What seems to work best is what works for you. I have worked at hospitals with and without water births. As an anesthesiologist i will say that a water birth means that the use of epidural anesthesia is not possible, or extremely difficult.

Question 3

i like the idea of water birth, but how is it beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Water bath: It gives the mother better control of the delivery, reduces need for an episiotomy,reduces pain, lends buoyancy to the delivery and gives mother the feeling of a more natural birth

Question 4

should i have a water birth?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your midwife: Waterbirths are popular among women who do not want to expose their baby to medications for pain when they are in labor.  Being in warm water seems to help women relax and deal with pain better.  As long as the baby is doing well during labor, waterbirths seem to be safe, as healthy babies don't take their first breath until they come up into the air.

Question 5

is it safer to have a water birth?

Accepted Answer

NO: No, if it was safer everyone would be doing them, that is just a gimmick, most obs in 2012 do not aloow their pts to have water births , usually those are done by a mid wife , I have delivered over 5000 babies and I do not recommned that.

Question 6

what are the benefits of water birth?

Accepted Answer

Comfort vs risk: Water births are touted for those foregoing pain medicine, especially epidurals.  They provide weightlessness, and can help patients manage labor pain better.  However, if one chooses to have a water delivery, there can be problems including increased risk of infection, problems with managing the perineum or the head during the delivery, and aspiration, with severe consequences for the baby.

Question 7

what is the difference between water birth and other types of birth?

Accepted Answer

Just do a normal: One, water birth in my opinion is a racket, I have done over 5000 deliveries, and in my opinion water does not add any value and has the potential to cause a lot of problems or problems can be missed because of the water birth, obviously there are some people who have a different opinion.

Question 8

what can i do to reduce the appearance of scars left by my water birth?

Accepted Answer

Gyne than plastic: I would first discuss with your gynecologist who may make a recommendation  or refer you to a plastic surgeon for possible options. In all likelihood, time may be your best friend.

Question 9

since an epidural is too risky for water birth, is it possible to have pain meds through an iv if you're giving a water birth?  or is that risky also?

Accepted Answer

Water birth: You can have IV pain meds during a water birth, but IV pain meds are not as ideal for the baby as they do cross the placenta and can affect the baby with sedation, decreased respiratory effort, decreased feeding, etc. Would talk to your OB about what is most important in your birth plan - is it the water birth, pain control, possible affect on infant etc, and then plan based on those priorities.

Question 10

can i have a water birth after having had a c section?

Accepted Answer

Not recommended: Water births no longer recommened by national pediatric organizations

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Doctor answers about:

Medical reason water birth

A member asked:

Is there a medical reason not to have a water birth?

A member asked:

Can water birth the best way to go?

A member asked:

I like the idea of water birth, but how is it beneficial?

A member asked:

Should i have a water birth?

A member asked:

Is it safer to have a water birth?

A member asked:

What are the benefits of water birth?

A member asked:

What is the difference between water birth and other types of birth?

A member asked:

What can i do to reduce the appearance of scars left by my water birth?

A member asked:

Since an epidural is too risky for water birth, is it possible to have pain meds through an iv if you're giving a water birth? or is that risky also?

A member asked:

Can i have a water birth after having had a c section?

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