New birthing guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advise pregnant women not to deliver their baby in water or birthing pools. They state there’s lack of evidence to support babies delivered in water has any benefits. In fact, it may lead to serious health problems.
What health problems could happen?
The potential health problems are rare, but they can happen. They are:
- the mom or her baby can get an infection
- the baby’s body temperature could get too high or too low
- there’s an increased risk of umbilical cord damage where it snaps before the baby is out of the water
- the baby may inhale tub water and have respiratory distress
- there’s potential for the baby to have seizures or they not be able to breathe
What about the early stages of labor?
There may be some benefits during the first stage of labor. It can possibly shorten labor and may decrease the risk for an epidural, where the woman is injected with anesthesia.
What are your prescriptions?
If a pregnant woman still wants to go ahead with using a birthing tub, here are my prescriptions:
Partha’s RX for using a birthing pool:
1. Chose an experienced, licensed health care professional and ask questions about how the labor and delivery are done.
2. Ask how often the tub is cleaned - you want to make sure it’s well-maintained
3. Be sure you’re properly monitored while in the tub and a plan is in place to get you out at the right time
4. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
Are their certain conditions where you shouldn’t use a birthing pool at all?
You shouldn’t try a birthing pool if you have complications like preeclampsia or diabetes, are having twins, if the baby is breech or premature, and if you need to be constantly monitored.
