Underwater pregnancy delivery is a form of water birth where the pregnant woman delivers her baby in a pool of water. The woman is submerged in water, with only her head above the surface and she can give birth while still being able to breathe. This is done to ease the pain and discomfort of childbirth. It also provides an environment with lower levels of gravity, which can make it easier for the baby to move out of the uterus.

How to prepare for water birthing (underwater delivery)?

Advantages of underwater delivery/ water birthing-

• It reduces pain and discomfort during delivery
• The baby can be born in an upright position, which may help with breathing
• There are no restrictions on when you can give birth underwater
• It can be a very calm and relaxing experience for both the mother and the newborn,
• It helps with postpartum recovery due to buoyancy, and it's also said to be safer for both mother and baby

Underwater pregnancy delivery has been a topic of interest for many pregnant women in the past few years. It is an alternative to traditional delivery methods, but it is not without its risks.

Disadvantages of underwater delivery/water birthing-

• Underwater births are not covered by all insurance companies
• There is a risk that the umbilical cord could become wrapped around a baby's neck or other body parts
• There's an increased risk of infection if the water is contaminated
• There's an increased risk of hypothermia if the water is too cold

Why to consult before considering underwater childbirth?

The pregnant woman needs to consult her doctor before she embarks on the underwater childbirth. The doctor will then decide if she is fit enough for the underwater delivery. If the pregnant woman is not fit enough, then she should consider an alternative birth plan.

Water birthing is not for everyone. People who are not eligible for water birthing include those who have a history of seizures, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

People with a history of seizures should avoid water birth as it can cause them to have one. This is because the low levels of oxygen and the cold temperature of the water can cause seizures.

Doctors and hospitals are important players in underwater pregnancy delivery. They provide support to the pregnant woman and share their expertise in this field of obstetrics.

Why is it necessary to consider water birthing at a good hospital?

Several risks would be associated with underwater delivery at home

• The baby may not be able to breathe in the water and will need to be removed from the pool in order to take a breath. This can be done by using a breathing tube or by simply lifting the baby out of the water. Expertise of a medical professional is required.
• The baby may get tangled up in cords or other equipment that is used during childbirth, which could lead to drowning if they are not rescued in time. This risk can be reduced in a hospital with the observation of doctors
• The mother may also drown while giving birth, which would obviously put both her and her child at risk of death or injury as well.
• If the mother has complications during labor or delivery, it may not be possible for medical professionals to provide treatment quickly enough if not present in the hospital.

Water birthing Vs Other birth methods

Water birthing has a number of benefits over other techniques.

• The first benefit is that it reduces the risk of infection. This is because there are less chances for bacteria to get into the mother’s vagina or cervix during this process.
• The second benefit is that it reduces pain, as there are no contractions in water birthing and you can control your breathing so that you don't have to push too hard or too fast.
• The third benefit of water birthing is that it allows for a more natural delivery, which means there are less chances of tearing and less need for stitches after delivery.

Misconceptions regarding water birthing

Water birthing has been around for over a century, but it is still not widely used. There are many misconceptions about the safety of the baby.

Some people believe that water birthing is unsafe because they think that the baby will be underwater for too long or that there will be a risk of drowning. However, this is not true.

The water pressure can actually help to support the mother and prevent her from going into labor before her due date, which in turn helps to protect both mom and baby

Water birth in India

Water birth is a new trend in India. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for the mother. There are many hospitals in India that offer water births. Some are private hospitals while some are government owned hospitals. The cost of water birth in India is about Rs.60000-150000 for delivery, which includes the labor room charges and the cost of the doctor, anesthesia and medicines.

Awareness and education is required for Indians to accept water birth. There are still a lot of mothers unaware about underwater delivery. More real life stories need to be shared, these experiences will help one decide if underwater delivery is the right fit for them or not.