Water births at Gold Coast Private Hospital Maternity

Having a baby has become more clinical over recent decades, but there is a growing trend to normalise birth and give women greater control over the experience. Empowerment is a key component of woman-centred care. Labour and birth are very personal and incorporate emotional and psychosocial factors alongside the physical aspect.

If you’ve been considering a water birth or immersion in water during your labour, this guide answers common questions people ask about this birthing option.

1. Why have a water birth?

Women choose to have a water birth for a variety of reasons. The ones we hear most commonly are:

• Pain relief
• They like the idea
• They associate it with a natural birth
• It offers a relaxing environment
• It will make the birth more enjoyable.

Water births are associated with low risks for both mum and bub when best practice guidelines are followed. They also decrease the need for pain relief.

2. Will the water get too hot?

The bath is set up at body temperature. Your midwife will check both the water temperature and your temperature regularly to help ensure you remain comfortable.

3. Why can’t some women have water immersion or a water birth?

A water birth may not be suitable if there are medical issues or concerns about your baby during pregnancy that mean continuous monitoring is required during labour.

To help ensure a water birth is a safe option for you and your baby, specific criteria need to be met.

These include:

• You and your baby must be healthy and have had a complication-free pregnancy
• You must be having only one baby and their head must be facing down Reaching at least 37 weeks of pregnancy
• Neither of you can be a carrier of, or infected with, HIV or Hepatitis B or C
• The baby waters must remain clear
• Baby’s heart rate must remain within the normal range
• You must not enter the water within four hours after receiving an injection for pain or if you have an epidural.

This is just a guide around factors which will be considered. Be aware that every maternity unit may have a different set of criteria, so check in with your birthing centre to get more information about specifics of their water birth requirements.

4. When should I get into the water?

You should be encouraged to use the labour pool whenever you want to. Some mothers find being in the bath in early labour useful for its calming effect and to help determine if labour has actually started. If contractions are strong and regular, no matter how dilated your cervix is, the water might help you relax enough to facilitate dilation.

5. What if my baby tries to start breathing under water?

If you choose to stay in the bath to birth, your baby will be born in the water. After your baby is born, they should be lifted gently but immediately out into the air.

Babies are born with a reflex known as the mammalian diving reflex. This response is present at birth in all mammals, including humans. This reflex causes the glottis at the back of the throat to close over automatically when your baby’s face comes into contact with water. This stops any water from entering their lungs.

6. Might I need to leave the water at any time?

You may need to leave the water if your midwife or doctor has any concerns about you or your baby’s wellbeing or safety. The baby’s cord mustn’t be cut under the water. Usually, it is also recommended that the placenta is birthed out of the water.

Making an informed choice

The information provided is designed to help you make an informed choice for you and your baby and is not intended to provide specific advice. Talk to your obstetrician if you’d like more information and to discuss whether water immersion or water birth are possible for you.