Water birth is a natural childbirth method that is scientifically recognized in most developed countries.
Both the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, UK, and the Royal College of Midwives, UK, support water birth for healthy women with low-risk pregnancies.
Water birth practically means: The expectant mother gets in a specially designed pool that is filled with warm water (35-37°C in the first stage of childbirth and 37°C in the second and third stage of childbirth), during contractions and when the birth is in its active phase (cervical dilation >4-5 cm), and gives birth in there. Some expectant mothers prefer to only spend the first stage of childbirth, meaning dilation and contractions, in the water and choose to leave the pool at the final stage of pushing.
The specially designed area enables the expectant mother to submerge her body in the water and move freely without medication.
The presence of qualified midwives and the option of having the father also present create a warm, familiar and stress-free environment that shapes the right conditions for childbirth, with dim lighting and calming music, which relaxes mothers and drives the tension away.
At the same time, conditions of absolute safety are ensured for the mother and the expected infant, with the presence of the attending obstetrician/gynecologist and the necessary medical equipment.
Cleaning and disinfection protocols are applied throughout the time the expectant mother is in the water.
Conditions
A necessary condition is the woman’s willingness, as well as her good relationship with the water
Normal progression of a single pregnancy, at least 37 weeks and up to 41 weeks
Absence of vaginal bleeding
Absence of high blood pressure for the expectant mother and abnormal pregnancy in general
Body Mass Index <35
Absence of indications for continuous cardiotocography
Normal body temperature of the expectant mother throughout her stay in the pool
Head-first presentation of the fetus
No premature rupture of membranes
Advantages
Water births have extremely beneficial effects on pain management and during childbirth
The buoyancy of the water makes it much easier for expectant mothers to move around and change position, avoiding lying in bed
Excellent ability to relax and relieve anxiety
Greater soft tissue mobilization, easier baby delivery, less pain and small chance of injuries/ruptures
Enhanced positive experience
The operation of the Delivery Room is based on certified processes and medical protocols for the safe and quality support during all stages of childbirth. The Delivery Room medical and maternity staff have ample knowledge and experience to advise and support mothers, so they may safely welcome their baby into the world.
Visit the IASO Maternity Clinic premises and the specially designed water birth pool!
See also:
After Birth
Εβδομαδιαία μεταγεννητικά μαθήματα “After birth” για νέες μητέρες!