What is water birth?

Water birth, which has become widespread around the world for the last 30 years, is an alternative birth method performed in a tub filled with hot water specially designed for childbirth. The 37-degree-temperature water filled in the bathtub helps the mother-to-be relax her muscles and reduce her stress level, thereby reducing labor pains and anxiety. The purpose of giving birth in labor accompanied by hydrotherapy, known as the water birth unit, is not only to relieve the expectant mother and to easily overcome the normal birth process, but also to facilitate the adaptation of the baby to the world, who has been in water for 9 months in the womb. Recent studies have shown that babies born in water are calmer than babies born by normal or cesarean section.

What is water birth?

Water birth, which starts with the mother-to-be entering a tub-like unit specially designed for birth, ends with the birth of the baby under the supervision of a doctor, with vaginal delivery. Thanks to this method, which is safely preferred because it carries the same risks as other birth types, blood flow increases, so the contractions in the uterus are easily regulated. With the effect of hot water, the risk of vaginal rupture that may occur during the birth of the baby is reduced. A baby in a sac filled with water in the uterus cries less and is calmer since it is born in a pool filled with water of a similar temperature. Before applying the water birth method, which does not have any side effects or harm to the expectant mother and the baby, the mother-to-be and the baby are subjected to the necessary health checks. It is of great importance that water birth is performed by an experienced team in hospitals with fully equipped water birth units.

What are the advantages of water birth?
Water birth, which is a very effective method in reducing the stress level of the expectant mother, provides a smoother transition for the baby to the environment outside the mother's womb. Thanks to the natural relaxing environment provided by the water, both mother and baby are exposed to less trauma. The advantages of birth in a water birth unit are as follows:

Relieves labor pains.
It relaxes the expectant mother and the baby.
Since the body weight is less felt, the expectant mother can move more easily.
It shortens the period of birth.
The secretion of endorphins increases and thus less pain is felt.
It increases the flexibility of the baby's exit channels by softening.
The possibility of applying an incision (episiotomy) to the vaginal area is reduced.
Most of the time, it does not require medical interventions such as artificial pain.

How to give birth in water?
It is necessary to make sure that both the mother and the baby are suitable candidates for this method by performing the necessary health checks before the birth in water. Water birth is not preferred in multiple pregnancies and pregnancies below 37 weeks. In addition, if the mother has an active infection or vaginal bleeding for any reason, water birth cannot be performed. The fact that the baby has not yet taken the birth position and the birth weight is high are among the conditions that prevent water birth. If all conditions are suitable for water birth, a detailed preparatory training is given to the mother. When the birth begins, the mother enters the pre-prepared and continuously monitored hot water accompanied by the personnel and specialist physician who have received the necessary training for water birth. Warm water helps the mother relax and reduces her stress level. Thanks to the endorphin hormone, aches and pains are relieved. Correct breathing methods taught in education also reduce pain. Water birth takes place with the instructions of the physician.

It is extremely important that the hospital preferred for the water birth method provides the appropriate conditions and that the hospital personnel are trained and experienced in this regard. If you want to give birth in water, you can get detailed information by talking to your specialist doctor.