Water Birth

Risks of Water Births

However, water births may pose a variety of risks to you and your baby, but little research has been done to determine how often complications arise. Some doctors still consider this type of birth unsafe, and the following are problems that can occur during a water birth:

• Your baby might gasp for air and possibly inhale water into his or her lungs because the umbilical cord is twisted and cutting off the oxygen supply or your baby is stressed. If your baby inhales water into his or her lungs, this may also lower the sodium levels in your baby's blood; a condition called hyponatremia.
• Water embolism; during your delivery, water may enter your bloodstream.
• The umbilical cord may snap while the baby is being lifted out of the water. This can be prevented by carefully lifting the baby out of the water. Your baby may need a blood transfusion if this happens.
• If the water in the tub is not clean, your baby might contract an infection.

If you are having multiple births, your baby is breech, or you have Herpes, you should not have a water birth.

Preparing for a Water Birth

If a water birth sounds like a good fit for you, ask your health care provider about the next steps. Some hospitals and birthing centers also offer water birth as an option, but if you choose to deliver at home, research the costs of a renting birthing tub. Also be sure to ask your insurance company if you'll be reimbursed for the costs.

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