Pros and cons of water birth. Childbirth in and into water: pros and cons

They have been arguing about the pros and cons of birthing in water for half a century - that is how much time has passed since the appearance in the USSR of this, hitherto unprecedented in our country, method of bringing a baby into the world. Recently, scientists have again warned about the high risk associated with such births. We will try to help expectant mothers weigh all the pros and cons!

• What is water birth?
• How can birth take place in water?
  • Woman in labor in water until pushing period
  • A child is born into water
• Water birth in maternity hospital
• Water birth at home
• Contraindications for water birth
• Pros of water birth
• Disadvantages of water birth
• The controversy continues
  

What is water birth?

This unusual method of birth became known in the sixties of the last century thanks to Igor Charkovsky - not an obstetrician at all, but... a sports trainer. He was the first to perform water births and promote them. Gradually, special baths and mini-pools began to appear in maternity hospitals in different countries, although in most cases doctors still treat water births very carefully, and in many countries they are prohibited as unsafe for the child and mother.
In the last two decades, water births have seen a resurgence in popularity. In particular, in Russia, in large cities, there are specially equipped rooms in maternity hospitals; It is now even possible to purchase special equipment for home births in water.
However, debates around water births do not subside both among Russian and foreign doctors: some consider them quite safe and even useful, while others consider them very risky.

"During childbirth in water, with the onset of intense contractions, the woman in labor is immersed in a special spacious bath or in a small pool (depth should be about 60 cm, length - at least 220 cm) with a temperature of strictly 36.5-37.

The woman remains in the bath until the cervix is ​​fully dilated, that is, until the beginning of the pushing period. After this, she, together with the midwife, makes a decision - to give birth completely in water or to move “to land”. If the decision is made to continue the birth in water, then the baby appears there. ;In this case, of course, the midwife must be constantly nearby, regularly listening to the baby’s heart rhythm (through a special underwater device). If something goes wrong, you need to move on to normal childbirth under the supervision of a doctor! And, of course, the expectant mother, determined for such an unusual birth, should attend special courses long before the birth begins, get acquainted with all the pros and cons of such childbirth, as well as swim in the pool and perform special exercises.

How can birth take place in water?

As we mentioned above, giving birth in water does not necessarily mean being in the bath until the birth of the child. If a woman is not determined to have her baby born in the water, she can push back to a “normal” birth. Therefore, there are two scenarios for water birth.

Woman in labor in water until pushing period

"This option of water birth is very popular because it is considered safer and more convenient. The expectant mother is in the water at the most painful stage - during pronounced contractions.

Well, he actually goes to the chair to give birth. However, this birth option also helps women in labor experience easier contractions.

A child is born into water

The woman continues to be in the water while pushing. At the moment of his birth, the child “floats” into the water; only a few seconds later he is taken out of the water. Usually during such births the placenta is born into the water. This method of childbirth is considered more risky (which we will discuss below), therefore it is much less popular in maternity hospitals.

Water birth in maternity hospital

Is water birth possible in modern Russian maternity hospitals? Yes, some (usually private) clinics practice such births: there are equipped delivery rooms for water births at clinics in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In Novosibirsk, as far as we know, maternity hospitals do not officially practice water births.
By the way, when choosing a clinic, you should find out if it has documents permitting the practice of childbirth in water - to perform such births, doctors and midwives must undergo special training.

“Since the safety of such births has not been officially proven, most often only the period of contractions takes place in the maternity hospital. However, water birth in a maternity hospital is much preferable, because there is everything there to ensure the safety of the life and health of mother and baby.

In the maternity room there are special monitors and sensors, with the help of which doctors monitor the condition of the mother and child. And let’s not forget, finally, that if something goes wrong, there are intensive care units in maternity hospitals for emergency care.

Water birth at home

But, of course, not all maternity hospitals are ready for water births. Therefore, women often decide to give birth at home in the bathroom with the help of a midwife and husband. This requires special equipment - a regular bath will not work.
According to doctors, home birth in water is a rather risky event. Firstly, it is very difficult to achieve the necessary sanitary conditions at home. Secondly, as with any home birth, in case of complications it will be difficult (and sometimes impossible) to urgently provide qualified assistance. Women going for a home birth in water need to take into account their risks.

Contraindications for water birth

Who shouldn't give birth in water? According to experts, only healthy women with a normal pregnancy can give birth in water. Only a doctor can give the go-ahead for water birth. Here are some contraindications for this method of delivery:

• marginal placenta previa,
• pelvic position of the fetus,
• various pathologies of the mother’s cardiovascular system,
• clinically narrow pelvis,
• large fruit;
• diabetes;
• gestosis;
• risk of developing fetal hypoxia;
• psycho-emotional imbalance of a woman.

Pros of water birth

• The main advantage of water birth is decrease in intensity and duration labor pain The time of contractions in water, as a rule, is reduced, contractions are less noticeable, and in some cases are practically absent. The muscles of the thighs, abdomen and back relax.
• Many women in labor need to be and move in water, It’s much easier to take the most comfortable poses and more convenient than on land.
• The relaxing effect of being in the water. The pressure of a woman in labor, as a rule, during water birth does not exceed the norm., since the nervous system is more balanced.
• Less stress for the newborn. There is a widespread opinion (although not everyone agrees with it, see below) that for a child being born in water is a more gentle option, because in this case he changes the environment and temperature more smoothly, and receives less stress from light and noise .
• According to some obstetricians, during water birth the risk of ruptures is reduced- however, there are studies that prove the opposite...
• By the way, when giving birth in water, the controversial issue of whether it is necessary to wash a newborn is removed - the baby, being born in water, immediately “takes a bath.”

Disadvantages of water birth

• The biggest risk of giving birth in water is danger of aspiration of the newborn's respiratory tract. In other words, when the child takes his first breath, he may swallow water, which can cause pneumonia. In practice, cases of such complications are actually known. True, many midwives who practice water births do not agree with this - they claim that the baby takes his first breath while out of the water.
• Possibility of water entering the blood women in labor. There is always a small, but still real danger that can lead to a terrible complication - a water embolism. Most often this happens after the placenta comes out. This is why doctors still recommend leaving the water before pushing.
• Insufficient control over the condition of the child and the birth canal. The doctor will not immediately be able to notice bleeding that begins in the water and provide timely assistance. - after all, blood is usually discharged during normal childbirth, and the water is colored by it. In addition, it is very difficult (and impossible without special equipment) to listen to the baby’s heartbeat when the expectant mother is in the water.
• Risk of fever in a woman in labor. While in water, a woman's heat transfer may be impaired. For the baby, even a slight increase in the mother's body temperature during childbirth can be dangerous.
• It’s rare, but it still happens that being in water during contractions helps weakening and even cessation of labor as a result of excessive muscle relaxation. Therefore, it is not recommended to go into the water too early, at the very beginning of labor.
• Sound stress... from silence. It is believed that at the moment of birth, a child goes from complete silence to a world full of loud sounds, and the baby’s psyche in this case is subjected to serious stress. In fact, the mother’s womb is not quiet at all. The acoustic conditions in a woman’s stomach can be compared to the conditions in a workshop, where background noise reaches 75-90 decibels! Thus, during a water birth, the baby is forced from his noisy world into complete silence, which for him, in fact, may become considerable stress.
• Finally, researchers call a significant danger possibility of infection of the newborn. Water, especially warm water, is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, so during birth in water there is a very high risk of infection of the child. The water must be changed at least once every two to three hours, otherwise E. coli and other unpleasant bacteria may begin to multiply in it.

Canadian doctors report one such tragic case. Eight days after birth, a newborn girl was urgently placed in intensive care: the child, who was full-term and completely healthy at birth, experienced failure of all organs. The cause turned out to be sepsis caused by the pathogenic bacterium Legionella, which was found in the girl’s blood.
It turned out that the birth took place in a warm bath, which was filled... three whole days before the baby was born. Legionella develops especially rapidly at water temperatures from 20 to 42 degrees Celsius.
The newborn spent five weeks on a ventilator. However, the child’s chances of dying were very, very high, one of the authors of the publication, Michelle Barton, noted in an interview with The Daily Mail.

This risk can be reduced by collecting water immediately before birth, but it must be remembered that the newborn's immune system cannot yet resist serious infections, and their pathogens could potentially be present even in fresh water, Barton explained.

The controversy continues

“So, few people argue that childbirth in water is indeed easier than normal - it is less painful, full dilatation of the cervix occurs faster. However, during childbirth in water, although rare, serious complications occur.

“All the possible benefits do not outweigh the potential risks, and therefore women should still not give birth in water.”, says Joseph Wax, chairman of the Obstetric Practice Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

But not everyone agrees with him. For example, experts from the University of Oregon conducted a study, the results of which suggest that water birth does not pose an increased risk for newborns. The authors analyzed data on 17,000 births that took place between 2004 and 2009, of which 6,500 were water births, home births or in specialized centers. The researchers compared how often complications occurred in normal births and water births and found that the type of birth had no effect on hospitalization rates, and water-born babies were no more likely to have low Apgar scores than those born as a result of normal childbirth.

Thus, the controversy surrounding water births, including among scientists, does not seem to end, which means that every expectant mother must make a decision independently, weighing all their pros and cons.

For every pregnant woman, childbirth is a special moment for which you want to prepare in the best possible way, and first of all morally. The opportunity to choose how your long-awaited baby will be born is, of course, great. Compared to our mothers, for whom (with rare exceptions) there was only one option: “ambulance - maternity hospital - separation from the child - feeding after 3 hours,” we are now more informed and free to choose what will be more comfortable for us in such an important matter . But the emergence of many alternatives to traditional (from the point of view of modern obstetrics) childbirth can lead to real bewilderment for the expectant mother.

Water birth is one of the options for the so-called “alternative” childbirth, and it causes a lot of controversy. Since ancient times, the healing power of water has been known to relieve pain in women during labor. There are references to “water” births in medieval documents, but this option of delivery was formalized into a methodology only in the 60s. XX century. Its founder, I.B. Charkovsky, was convinced of less trauma to the baby’s brain during his smooth transition from the mother’s womb to the water, rather than air, environment. Currently, this type of birth is most widespread in the UK, where many maternity hospitals are equipped with swimming pools.

How does water birth occur?

There are two options for water birth:

1. When a woman in labor is in the water only during contractions (the first stage of labor), and the second period, pushing and direct “expulsion of the fetus,” in medical terms, takes place outside the pool or bathtub.
2. The woman is in the water both during contractions and during pushing. The baby appears there, moving from the mother’s body directly into the water.

Water birth - pros and cons. Is water birth dangerous?

On the Internet, as well as among various obstetrics specialists, debate continues about whether it is worth giving birth in water. Unfortunately, there are practically no statistics on this issue. Women who have successfully given birth in water share their joy on forums, and adamant supporters of modern medicine say “no” to water birth, explaining the many existing risks. Who to believe? Most likely, you need to rely only on your common sense. Let's consider the main arguments of supporters and opponents of water birth.

So, water birth – FOR :

1. Natural, drug-free pain relief

Water partially helps relieve muscle tension throughout the body during contractions and relax, which is known to help successful childbirth. Most obstetricians do not deny the benefits of water as a natural pain reliever during the first stage of labor.

1. Faster cervical dilatation

This advantage is, perhaps, more likely due to the psychological state of the woman who is in the water during contractions, as well as the less painful contractions. It has long been known that pain and fear prevent the body from performing its natural work of preparing for the birth of a baby.

1. Confidence in a successful birth outcome

Some will say that women who give birth in water are fanatical, and this is what helps them give birth successfully. But if we discard stereotypes and imposed images, it becomes clear: the psychological mood of a woman in labor often determines the course of labor. If a woman initially decided that childbirth would be painful (“How will I survive this horror?”), most likely it will be so. And if the expectant mother tries to find the best option, studies natural methods of pain relief, and prepares for childbirth psychologically, she thereby increases the likelihood of an easy birth of the baby. In addition, giving birth in water helps a woman not to feel like a “cog” in the maternity conveyor belt that is typical in modern medical institutions.

1. Striving for a natural course of labor

Women who choose this type of childbirth, as a rule, strive for maximum naturalness of the process, or rather, the least medical intervention in the process of giving birth to a baby, early latching of the baby to the breast, and his being together with his mother after birth. The umbilical cord is not cut in the first minutes after birth, the natural lubrication is not washed off, and the baby immediately finds itself in the warm maternal embrace. No one will deny that in most cases this approach is ideal and is the key to a successful birth, trouble-free breastfeeding and smooth adaptation of the newborn. It is these moments that largely determine the physical and psychological health of the child.

It would seem, what disadvantages can be found in such a wonderful form of childbirth? Let's figure it out. Water birth - CONS :

1. The unnaturalness of water birth itself

Of all the mammals, only whales and dolphins give birth in water, and humans certainly cannot be compared to these animals in terms of living conditions. Even with all the desire to say that such childbirth is natural for women, it is impossible.

1. The likelihood of a baby's first breath underwater

Controversy, and sometimes even condemnation, is most often caused by a woman’s desire to spend the second stage of labor (birth of a child) in a pool or bathtub, since this involves the risk of water getting into the lungs of the newborn. The midwife delivering the baby does not have the right to hesitate even for a second, since delay in the event of a baby being born in water carries the risk of aspiration pneumonia - pneumonia caused by inhaling water.

1. Difficulty in complying with antiseptic conditions

There is still water in the closed container where the birth takes place. Despite the fact that childbirth is not an operation, and sterility as such is, in principle, unattainable during any childbirth, the release of secretions inevitable during childbirth into the water causes serious concern among doctors.

1. Risks of a woman in labor being in warm water for a long time

Prolonged exposure to water with a temperature of 37 degrees C or higher leads to slight hyperthermia of the internal organs of the mother, and, accordingly, the baby, for whose health an increase in body temperature even by tenths of a degree poses a serious threat. Most pregnant women know that overheating is contraindicated for them; the same rule is also relevant during childbirth.

In addition, in water it is difficult to assess the amount of blood loss, and therefore to provide timely assistance to the woman in labor. In this case, warm water can contribute to increased uterine bleeding due to vasodilation as a result of hyperthermia.

1. The risk of developing water embolism in a postpartum mother

If after the second stage of labor a woman remains in the water, and the birth of the placenta occurs there, this can lead to a rare but extremely dangerous complication - water embolism, when water enters the blood through open vessels of the uterus. Even convinced adherents of water birth do not advise staying in it after the baby is born.

1. Difficulty or impossibility of monitoring the condition of the baby and the birth canal

In some cases, monitoring the well-being of the baby in the uterus helps prevent possible problems. It is quite difficult to install a CTG machine in a bath or swimming pool and check the dilatation of the cervix (in this case, the woman in labor will have to go “on land”).

Water birth at home - in a bathtub or a special inflatable pool

Initially, the pioneers of water births imagined them to take place exclusively at home and contrasted them with traditional births in a hospital. Often women who have had a negative experience of giving birth to their first child in a maternity hospital are inclined towards this type of birth. It's no secret that medical workers often show inattention and even rudeness to women in labor, and one can only dream of an individual approach. In addition, some medical interventions in the natural birth process may be completely unfounded. At home, no one will force a woman to lie on her back when pushing the baby out (this makes the work of obstetricians easier, but not for the woman in labor), she will be able to take comfortable positions during contractions, and will feel calm in a familiar environment.

In a number of countries, for example, in Holland, home births are an absolutely common occurrence, but in Russia they still remain outside the scope of the law. Officially, you cannot enter into an agreement or contract with an obstetrician to give birth at home, so ardent adherents of home water birth will have to act at their own peril and risk. It is also necessary to take into account that childbirth, for all its physiology and naturalness, is an extremely unpredictable process, about which one can never say with certainty that it will go “without a hitch.” If an unplanned situation arises when you need to help a child, every second can count. And you may simply not have time to get to the hospital, even if there is an ambulance on duty outside your windows.

Childbirth in water - in the maternity hospital (in the pool)

Childbirth in water in a maternity hospital is still rather exotic for Russia. Only a few maternity hospitals, mostly private, have swimming pools for women in labor. However, there is a tendency towards improving the quality of services, the use of alternative methods of pain relief, and recognition of a woman’s right to choose in such an important issue as childbirth, even in ordinary state maternity hospitals.

While under the supervision of doctors, you will most likely spend only the first stage of labor in the pool. Obstetricians do not allow the child to enter the aquatic environment to avoid the risks described above. This situation (water birth) can only occur with the rapid development of labor, when the woman simply did not have time to leave the pool.

This option for childbirth can be called a compromise - doctors will be nearby in case of an emergency, and water will help reduce pain and ease the course of the birth process. Of course, a homely atmosphere is unattainable even in the best maternity hospital, but every family must weigh all the benefits and risks of giving birth at home or in a medical facility.

Who can give birth in water?

The desire to give birth in water should not be a momentary whim, following fashion or advice on the Internet. The birth of a child is not only a physiological, but also a spiritual sacrament. You need to prepare for any birth, and for water birth, if you are focused exclusively on it, you need to approach it carefully and consciously. Special preparation for water birth, the woman’s health and pregnancy without complications are extremely important. And of course, there are a number of contraindications for this type of childbirth:

• narrow pelvis or large fetus;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, gestosis;
• placenta previa or breech presentation of the baby.

In any case, the desire to have a water birth should be discussed with the doctor monitoring the pregnancy to assess your health and the possibility of a water birth.

If you want to have a water birth, be sure to find a doctor or obstetrician you absolutely trust. Remember that you must comply with some requirements for the water tank:

1. depth not less than 0.6 m, width not less than 2.2 m (for taking a free and comfortable pose);
2. water temperature should be 36-37 degrees;
3. It is advisable to change the water every 3-4 hours to prevent E. coli from blooming.

Childbirth in water is a promising, albeit very controversial option for the birth of a baby. The help of the aquatic environment is invaluable, since all women want contractions to be as painless and easy as possible. But you need to make a decision about the location of the birth and the release of the baby into the water or air environment, carefully assessing all the pros and cons of each method. With proper preparation and attitude, your birth will definitely be successful, and in any case, the result will be the most beloved and wonderful person. Stay positive and good luck!

He will talk about the next “fashionable” trend in childbirth – water birth.

The pages of online publications are full of headlines like: “Water birth is easy” and “Water birth relieves pain,” and this is really true! But how will a newborn take his first breath while in water? Are there any contraindications for such childbirth? Let's try to figure it out.

How does water help during childbirth?

Being in water is like being in a state of weightlessness. Body weight becomes lighter and muscle tension goes away. Water soothes, relaxes and allows you to take a comfortable position for the woman in labor. The waves pleasantly massage the body and reduce pain. A woman feels protected in water and is more comfortable this way.

It has been established that childbirth in water is faster, since the uterus dilates 2.5 cm per hour (instead of 1.25 cm during normal childbirth).

Caesarean sections are less common for water births, and in women with high blood pressure, they return to normal after being in water.

Water birth: just the facts

Research into water births has been conducted for several years. Many doctors consider water birth to be safe for the baby.

For example, the experienced Belgian doctor Hermann Ponnet noted that in case of breech birth, water birth is the best solution, this allows one to avoid a caesarean section.
And the director of the family center in California, Michael Rosenthal, is confident that childbirth in water is always faster and easier.

After conducting research for several years, he came to the following conclusion: water birth helps women successfully give birth vaginally after cesarean section. During a water birth, the cervix dilates and the fetus is expelled twice as quickly as during a traditional birth. And also, importantly, women feel less pain during childbirth.

Any infection entering the vagina during water birth is also excluded. In Britain, 540 water births were studied for this purpose, but no serious infections were noted.

How does water birth occur?

The expression “water birth” primarily refers to being in the water during contractions. Choose the optimal size of the bathtub so that you can move freely, and at least 2.2 m wide.

If you use the bath too early, the water may slow down or stop your contractions. The water temperature should be equal to body temperature, about 37 degrees.

Try to lie on your back, on your side or on all fours, but so that the water reaches the level of your nipples and covers the uterus. The vibration of the water will massage the nipples and increase the production of hormones that stimulate contractions.

Being in the bathtub will speed up a protracted labor and ease a difficult labor when contractions come one after another.

If the contractions have weakened, you need to get out of the bath and wait for the contractions to resume.

Don't expect to feel no pain at all in the water. Water does not relieve pain, but only reduces it. But the obvious advantage of a bath is the ability to move freely during contractions and take a comfortable position.

When the desire to push arises, it is better to get out of the water. Of course, a baby can be born in water, when everything happens quickly. But for greater safety of the fetus, it is better to give birth “on land.”

How does a baby begin to breathe during a water birth?

When a newborn baby feels a change in the environment, that is, moves from liquid to air, he will be able to take his first breath. Being in water prevents this (this is how the newborn’s body works).

However, it is necessary to remove the newborn from the water within the next few minutes after birth.

A delay of 15 minutes can already be tragic for the baby. A child is not capable of choking on water, but may suffer from a lack of oxygen when staying under water for a long time.

It is also undesirable to remove the child from the water too abruptly and quickly, as ligament rupture may occur. It is best to lift your child out of the water with smooth, slow movements.

Water birth: warnings

When giving birth in water, any amateur activity can be dangerous! This is especially true for home births in the bathtub. All births should only take place with the participation of a specialist!

Contraindications for water birth are:

• narrow pelvis in a woman in labor,
• diabetes,
• clinical discrepancy between the sizes of the fetal head and maternal pelvis,
• placenta previa,
• risk of developing fetal hypoxia,
• large fruit and so on.

Before deciding to give birth in water, be sure to consult your doctor!

And remember: Most women are in the water only during labor and give birth in the traditional way. Because this is the only way to eliminate the risk of intrauterine hypoxia, especially when the umbilical cord is entangled.

So don’t go to extremes if you decide to give birth in water! Listen to your doctor's opinion.

The first mention of childbirth in water dates back to the 19th century. At first, such a birth was officially recorded in France, and literally two years later - in Germany. In the Soviet Union, water births were carried out for the first time more than fifty years ago under the patronage of Dr. Charkovsky. The opinions of neonatologists and obstetricians still differ. Why do they give birth in water, what are its positive and negative sides?

Why do people give birth in water and is it possible to do it?

The idea of ​​giving birth in water is that the newborn is released not into a dry air environment, but into a warm water environment, as close as possible to intrauterine conditions. Proponents of this method, explaining why women give birth in water, argue that the newborn experiences less stress and does not fully feel the effects of gravity, loud sounds, and bright light. Is this true or is this true?

Followers of this method claim that the fetus, being in the uterine cavity and not feeling gravity, after a normal birth receives a serious blow to the nervous system, immediately falling into its field of action. The situation is different when giving birth in water. The transition from one aquatic environment to another makes it possible to gradually adapt to new conditions. Actually this is not true. The baby is in the belly of his mother, who experiences gravity, then where does separate intrauterine weightlessness come from? As the fetus grows, the free intrauterine space decreases. The fetus begins to feel the pressure of the uterus, the uniformity of which is ensured by the amniotic fluid. As the head passes through the birth canal, the pressure on the fetus increases. Therefore, its birth is accompanied by a decrease in load, not an increase.

Many experts believe that there is nothing traumatic for a child in bright light. Yes, the fetus is in relative darkness for 40 weeks. But even childbirth in water does not take place in complete darkness. In addition, the statement about the darkness reigning in the mother’s womb is also erroneous.

In fact, the background noise of the mother's body for the baby in the womb is similar to the roar of a jackhammer. The background noise is created by the work of the heart, the flow of blood in the blood vessels, and the motor activity of the intestines. Outside - the voices of mom and dad. Therefore, the born baby does not end up in the “orchestra pit”, but in a world of deafening silence. Nature has arranged it so that the fetus's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, which is gradually removed during childbirth. Immediately after birth, the baby's lungs expand, fill with air, and you hear his first cry. Proponents of the method, when talking about whether it is possible to give birth in water, warn: the mother and baby must leave the aquatic environment quickly, so water can be avoided getting into the lungs. But does this always work out in practice?

If you decide to give birth in water, watch the video of how it happens:

Don’t forget to also study the relevant literature, get recommendations from gynecologists, obstetricians and enlist the support of specialists.

• The temperature of the water should be maintained within 36.5-37 °C (as close as possible to the temperature of the mother’s body so that the newborn does not feel a sudden change in the environment).
• Optimal bath dimensions: depth - 55-60 cm, width - 2-2.5 m.

As you can see in the photo, for a water birth, the bathtub should be of such a size that the water in it covers the stomach:

• A qualified, and most importantly, experienced midwife in this matter must conduct a water birth.
• Water birth is best done in a maternity hospital equipped with special swimming pools for women in labor.
• The water needs to be changed every 3-4 hours, otherwise E. coli begins to bloom in it.
• It is necessary to ensure strict adherence to the antiseptic condition of water.
• It is unacceptable to use any medications during water birth, so that if you accidentally inhale water from the pool, the baby will not swallow dangerous medications.

Having babies in water: the pros and cons of such births

When considering whether to take such a step, you need to consider the pros and cons of water birth and only then make a decision.

Benefits of water birth:

1. Water has a relaxing effect and stimulates skin receptors. As a result, the path to pain signals is blocked. In the water, a woman relaxes, her body can take any most comfortable pose.

2. The tissues of the birth canal become softer and more elastic, so the cervix opens faster.

3. Fear of childbirth decreases.

4. Pain sensations are reduced.

5. Between contractions, complete muscle relaxation occurs.

6. The duration of the first stage of labor is shortened.

7. The supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus increases.

8. Due to the “wetting” of the birth canal, the movement of the fetus through it is facilitated.

9. The risk of injury to the mother and fetus is reduced.

Disadvantages of water birth.

1. Constant monitoring of water temperature is necessary.

2. Complete water change every 2 hours.

3. Monitoring the condition of the mother and fetus is difficult.

4. Infectious complications may occur in the fetus when water gets into a woman’s birth canal - water embolism.

5. If a situation arises that is dangerous for the woman or fetus, the presence of a woman in labor in water can delay the provision of emergency care.

6. Fear of water.

Speaking about the pros and cons of water birth, it should be taken into account that, as with any other type of obstetric care, there are a number of contraindications for water birth:

1. Narrow pelvis.

2. Intrauterine fetal hypoxia.

3. Incorrect position and presentation of the fetus.

4. Placenta previa.

5. Diabetes mellitus.

6. Hypertension.

7. Increased excitability and unstable psycho-emotional state of the woman in labor.

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In this article:

Modern medicine provides women with many alternatives, and this fundamentally distinguishes it from Soviet medicine. Now for a certain amount you can satisfy any desire, even the most unusual. Maternity hospitals provide the opportunity to choose not only the position in which it will be most convenient for a woman to give birth to a new person, but also the environment into which the baby is destined to emerge from the womb. Along with conventional childbirth, water birth is now widely practiced, which will be discussed below.

In general, giving birth in water now looks more like another fashion trend than a real necessity, which has a strong theoretical justification. Currently, a lot is being done demonstratively, as a kind of protest against the existing system. The same can be said about water births. They are not necessary and are not caused by special indications. And, nevertheless, there are always several pregnant women who decide to do such an act.

At the same time, all possible risks that arise during this unconventional delivery are ignored by expectant mothers, consciously or unconsciously. If a woman sees water birth as the only correct way to bring her baby into the world, then she needs to know some subtleties about it and adequately assess her capabilities.

When choosing your own home as a place for delivery, you should not rely on the experience of Western countries: the emergency medical care system is organized differently there, and the distances cannot be compared with Russian ones (not to mention the roads). Therefore, if you have already decided to give birth in a water environment, then it is best to find a suitable maternity hospital that practices this. Are there similar institutions? Of course have. You just need to search and don’t be afraid to ask all the questions that interest young parents.

Be that as it may, water births are now quite common and are not prohibited, provided that neither the child nor the new mother suffers from them. And few people think about the theoretical background behind all this. And in general, does she exist? In fact, yes, there is a certain theoretical basis for the practice of childbirth in water, and it is as follows.

Historical background: where did the fashion trend come from?

This method of delivery can be justified in any way and with anything. However, like everything else, it also has its own background. The roots of this trend do not go so far: an unusual practice came to Russia in the 80s of the last century. Many consider the Russian enthusiast I.B. to be its founder. Charkovsky - it was he who, back in the mid-60s of the twentieth century, began to put forward and substantiate his progressive views. According to his beliefs, childbirth in water is more physiological, easier and faster.

However, one should not think that Charkovsky is the first person to put forward such a proposal. In general, water births initially began to be practiced in Europe, back in the century before last. At first these were isolated cases, preserved in history due to the fact that they were officially documented. At that time, such births were carried out as an experiment and had no scientific basis. France was the first to decide on such an innovation (1803), the second was Germany (1805).

It is noteworthy that babies born in this way were no different from others. They were just as active, cheerful and developing well. The practice received positive results and slowly began to become widespread. After some time, this trend became fashionable and was considered progressive. And many facts of tragic outcomes were simply hushed up or attributed to an accident. However, the risk of complications during water birth is still very high and should not be ignored. But let's get back to history.

Progressive views came to Russia much later. At first, Charkovsky worked only theoretically, justifying his ideas from a scientific point of view. And only then it was decided to move on to practice. In 1980, in Moscow, the first child in our country who was born in water was born. The process went well, the baby and mother felt good, and since then this topic began to grow, eventually gaining widespread popularity and many adherents.

Charkovsky identified the following advantages

1. Pressure. This is the most important point. The child inside the mother’s womb is constantly in an aquatic environment, and therefore experiences slightly different pressure. For him, water is a native element, not scary and familiar, unlike air. When a newborn is born, he already experiences horror and pain, which can be significantly reduced by giving birth to the baby in water. He will go out into the only environment familiar to him, he will be enveloped not by hostile and caustic air, but by the same water - dear and kind. And the pressure inside it is not at all the same as outside it. Consequently, the child’s brain will suffer less, and the stress will not be as great as when the baby is released into the air.
2. Traumatic risk of childbirth. As you know, the process of bringing a new person into the world is associated with a huge risk of damage for both the child and the mother. Many women receive quite serious injuries during this complex physiological process. Usually these are ruptures of the skin, as well as the internal membranes and muscles. All this is fraught with enormous blood loss, which sometimes turns out to be a very difficult task to stop. According to Charkovsky, all this can be avoided by producing offspring in water. Everything is explained very easily here, and many will understand it. In water we relax, movements become smoother and more flexible, and tone decreases. In it, the muscles relax as much as possible and become elastic, which allows them to stretch easier and stronger than in air. Consequently, a woman has a much higher chance of “not tearing” and not losing a lot of blood.

It would seem that everything is reasonable, well-reasoned and does not cause a wave of negativity. Why then are there so many opponents of water birth and why is this newfangled movement dangerous?

Waterbirth: arguments against

In Europe, giving birth in water has not caused such a storm of emotions for a long time as in our country. However, this does not mean that the process in question is completely safe and has only positive aspects. Let's look at it “under a microscope”.

1. Man is a mammal, and in this context we are no different from animals. We have organ systems similar to them, the same reproductive and reproductive systems, we feed our children in exactly the same way as, for example, a cat with kittens or a dog with puppies. It is advisable to try to find a natural analogue of water birth, and here the first discovery awaits us: not a single mammal existing on planet earth has offspring born into water. The only exceptions are whales and dolphins, but they simply live constantly in the water. However, even such aquatic animals as seals, sea lions or seals - they all reproduce their offspring on land, and specifically in the air, and not in the water. And then bewilderment arises: why, if childbirth in water is so good, is it not practiced in nature? The answer is simple: nevertheless, all of us, both people and animals, are created for life in the air, and the water element is not only dangerous for us, but also destructive. If, when leaving the mother's womb, the baby inhales before it reaches the surface, it will choke. The consequences can be the most terrible: from minor asphyxia to death. You need to know this and soberly assess the risk.
2. Human physiology also does not favor being born in an aquatic environment. While the fetus is inside the uterus, it does not breathe properly. The child’s body is supplied with all the necessary substances, including oxygen, through the umbilical cord and placenta, and nothing else. In other words, in the womb the child does not breathe at all, his lungs do not participate in any way in life. But as soon as it is expelled, the functions of the umbilical cord and placenta pass to the lungs, and breathing is carried out in a well-known way. That’s why a baby screams as soon as he’s born: he needs to breathe in air so that his lungs expand. This is a very important moment, and if it happens in water, the baby will swallow it. The consequences of this have already been described above.

In general, people who support water births say that the child has a kind of unconditioned reflex: when drops hit his face, he instinctively holds his breath. This is true. But not always. And this circumstance simply cannot be ignored.

Getting water into the lungs of a newborn is fraught with pneumonia and a number of complications that can lead to disability and even death. Any mother who decides to have a water birth must realistically assess the risk.

1. And finally, the hygiene side of the issue. As you know, at home, a woman gives birth in ordinary tap water - that is, what comes from the tap. Can everyone vouch for the purity of this substance? In addition, other secretions from the female body, which are by no means sterile, will be released into this water along with the child. Such a cocktail may be more dangerous than all hospital germs combined. Is it worth the risk? Every woman is free to make her own decision.

Of course, if, after all, giving birth in water seems to you the only correct approach, that is your right. But in this case, it is better to go to a maternity hospital that specializes in such delivery and protect yourself from possible consequences, as well as provide yourself and your baby with the necessary medical care and appropriate care in good conditions.

Every woman, of course, wants her child to come into this world healthy, strong and strong. Every mother wants happiness for her baby and believes that she makes the only right decisions. Therefore, when talking about childbirth, you cannot show your preference for one way or another - the main thing is that everything ends well for both mother and child.

However, it is also not worth showing excessive zeal and persistence. Many women, fearing maternity hospitals, decide to give birth to offspring at home, without resorting to professional help. As a rule, this is argued by the fact that in hospitals childbirth is almost routine, and doctors simply will not allow the expectant mother to realize all her views and dreams. This is wrong. Nowadays, many maternity hospitals offer a whole range of different services, including water birth, and you can arrange for the husband to be present throughout the entire process. If desired, the woman will not be given any anesthesia, and everything will go exactly as nature intended. At the same time, there will be qualified specialists in the immediate vicinity, always ready to help. In this sense, a maternity hospital is much better than your own. Even if it’s such a dear and beloved apartment, in which there is nothing of hemostatic agents except a tourniquet, bandage and cotton wool.

Undoubted advantages of the aquatic environment for babies

And yet, there are several unconditionally positive aspects, the importance of which simply cannot be diminished. This applies to Charkovsky’s views, but not regarding water births. As is clear from this article, the latter are very controversial and have a lot of arguments against them.

However, there are practically no contraindications or negative features for the second direction, which Charkovsky actively mastered - diving. He was a supporter of active swimming, which is advisable to engage in with a child from the first hours of his life. And, indeed, being in an aquatic environment has a beneficial effect on the newborn, develops all muscle groups, calms and pacifies the baby.

With the right approach, it is not at all dangerous; on the contrary, it is beneficial. Doing water gymnastics with your child, going to the pool with him, teaching him to dive and swim - this is necessary both for general strengthening and to eliminate various consequences of improper labor. For a child, water is a native element; he is not afraid of it, but on the contrary, he loves and knows it, and it is important for new parents to remember this. In addition, it is in the process of teaching a baby to dive and swim that close tactile contact with the mother occurs, and its importance cannot be overestimated.

So, water birth is a widespread modern trend, which many people know about, if not everyone, then at least by hearsay. Choosing a method of delivery is, of course, a personal matter for each pair of future parents, but, nevertheless, in this matter one cannot fanatically follow any concept and go to any lengths just to do it the way you want. Remember that a child is not a toy, but a future person, and how healthy he will be largely depends on the mother and the characteristics of his birth. That is why it is important to approach this issue in detail, assessing the possible consequences from all sides and weighing the pros and cons. The main thing is that the baby who comes into this world is healthy and happy.