An underwater birth is known as the most natural method of childbirth, but are there only advantages and no disadvantages. Of course not. No matter which type of delivery there are benefits and drawbacks, what are the benefits and drawbacks of underwater delivery.

Advantages of water birth: If you give birth in a swimming pool filled with warm water, you can relieve the pain of pregnancy. Since the pool is similar to the amniotic fluid in the mother's womb, the fetus adapts to this new external environment after leaving the mother. The fetus's "instinct" is to hold its breath until the water comes out, so that it doesn't choke on it. The temperature of the water is suitable for water births, providing a calming effect on the laboring woman and promoting relaxation of the leg muscles and dilation of the cervix. The buoyancy of the water allows the body to exert its natural rhythm, making it easy to roll over and rest.

Not only is there less bleeding during labor, the perineum breaks down less than usual, and there is no need for a perineal lateral incision. Soaking in hot water relaxes the mother and significantly reduces the pain of labor. In addition, since the position of the pregnant woman in the water can be adjusted independently, the labor is natural and effective, and the delivery time is shorter. Since the labor period is shorter, the physical exertion of the mother is very low, and the recovery after delivery is significantly better than other forms of delivery. In addition, babies born in water are less likely to be victimized than those born by ordinary methods.

Disadvantages of water birth: There should be no particular risks associated with underwater birth according to the norms, and many countries overseas have developed specific norms and guidelines. Some hospitals do not use specialized underwater birthing equipment and are not trained to operate it. There is a possibility of accidents that cannot happen. There is the potential for horrific outcomes such as waterlogged newborns. There are few hospitals in the United States that only have bathtubs and spa tubs for water births, so the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has not confirmed that water births are a safe method of delivery.

Mothers who give birth in water are advised to choose their hospitals carefully. The risks of using bathtubs, jacuzzis, swimming pools, etc. for underwater births are high, especially if the water is not sterile and prone to infections. Think carefully about having a water birth in such a hospital.