Like other birthing options, medical factors are the deciding points for whether or not you are eligible to give birth in water.

You can opt for water birthing if you have:

• A low-risk pregnancy of 37 weeks
• No pre-existing medical conditions
• Single pregnancy
• Fetus with a normal heart rate

You may not be a candidate if you have:

• Previous case of high-risk pregnancy
• Chronic medical conditions
• Pregnancy complications
• Breech position (baby’s bottom/feet come first)
• Multiple pregnancies
• Pre-term labour
• Infection
• Need for continuous electronic monitoring

If you have any of the above complications, you will be advised not to choose water birthing.

Water birth is a safe birthing option if and when performed with the guidance of verified medical experts at a natural water birthing centre. However, despite its advantages, there are also substantial water birth risks associated with the process:

• Risk of drowning

Warm water gives a familiar environment of amniotic fluid to the newborn. In theory, the child takes his first breath after he comes out of the water and in the air. However, if the baby breathes when he is submerged, he may be exposed to various complications including the risk of drowning.This is highly unlikely to happen, because babies do not breathe when they are in the womb. They receive oxygen from their mother through the placenta. During water birthing, their bodies behave similarly in the warm water and only breathe when they are out in the air. In this process, the newborn comes from water (amniotic fluid in the womb) to water and so his lungs are not open yet.

• Risk of Pneumonia

Minimal risk of the child contracting Legionnaires’ Disease which is a type of bacterial pneumonia.

While both methods are effective, safe and reliable techniques for childbirth, water birth has more advantages than normal delivery. As discussed above, the amount and duration of labour pain that a mother has to experience can be significantly reduced through water birthing. While on the other hand, normal delivery makes you dependent on medicinal pain relievers. Hence, water birthing is a more natural form of delivery. However, it should be noted that both of these birthing processes have their own pros and cons. Clinical requirements and the mother’s gestational health is the final indicator of the type of method used.

Yes, it is possible to have a healthy water birth after C section. Vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) is safe, reduces the risk of complications and has a lesser recovery time. The requirements will almost be the same as regular water birthing. You should always consult an experienced water birthing expert and choose a natural water birthing centre. If you have had a C-section in your previous pregnancy, you should discuss this with your obstetrician while planning future childbirth options.

Water birthing is not just for celebrities, you can access all its benefits at Elantis, right in the heart of Delhi NCR. For more information, book an appointment with Dr. Chandni Jain, leading expert on water birthing at Elantis.

NO, you cannot have an epidural (anaesthesia injection) in water.