3 Benefits Of Water Birth

Having a baby can be stressful, but creating a birth plan should help put your mind at ease. If you are considering natural birth options, then a water birth may be in your future.

In order to determine if a water birth is right for you and your baby, here are three benefits to consider before finalizing your birth plan in the future.

1. A water birth can ease the pain of labor.

First-time mothers are often apprehensive regarding the pain that is associated with labor and delivery. If you are worried that the pain will be too great, a water birth could be a great option for you. Although the warm water found in a birthing pool will not completely eliminate your pain during contractions, it can greatly reduce it.

The warm water helps to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the hormones that help your body through the labor process. Making the choice to deliver in a birthing pool could help your delivery be as painless as possible.

2. Reduce the likelihood that you will need an episiotomy.

Often referred to as the most unkind cut of all, an episiotomy is required when the vaginal tissues become too stretched during birth. Since an episiotomy can lead to more significant tearing, many women try to avoid this procedure whenever possible.

If you don't relish the thought of having your vaginal tissue sliced during labor, a water birth might be your best option. Studies have shown that women giving birth out of the water were 5 times more likely to need an episiotomy than women who opted for a water birth.

3. Potentially speed up the labor process.

Almost everyone has heard horror stories about a marathon labor and delivery. Once contractions begin, many women would like the delivery to progress as quickly as possible in order to minimize the amount of discomfort both they and their babies experience during labor. Making the choice to have a water birth can potentially speed up your labor process.

Floating in a birthing tub can reduce gravity's pull on your body. This will help to inhibit your sensory stimulation, reducing the amount of stress hormones your body produces during labor. Stress hormones, such as noradrenaline and other catecholamines, can potentially slow your labor, so reducing these hormones increases the chance that you will have a speedy labor and delivery.

Making the choice to create a birth plan that involves a water birth can be beneficial. Be sure to discuss with a midwife or OBGYN, such as George L Stankevych MD, whether or not a water birth is right for you.

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