Guidelines for Water Births
When planning water births, whether it be an unassisted or assisted birth, there are several factors that must be monitored. A birth companion should be responsible for evaluating these conditions to ensure the health and safety of the mother and child.
Foremost among these are:
Amount of Water
Degree of Immersion
Water Quality
Duration of Immersion
Water Temperature
In water births, the temperature of the pool should remain between 89.6 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 32-37 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the mother's core temperature does not rise to a level which would endanger the baby.
Amount of Water
The water level should not be so deep that a birth companion cannot see clearly to the bottom. An increased water depth will also make it difficult for the mother to stabilize her position, as her body will tend to float away.
Degree of Immersion
The birth companion should monitor how much of the mother's body is under water. It may be beneficial to change positions or remove extremities from the water to increase comfort and labor progress.
Water Quality
It is important to maintain the water quality so that the mother and birth companions are able to visualize the baby and assess the progression of labor. If the water becomes too murky, it will be impossible to ascertain whether the umbilical cord is around the baby's neck or other such factors.
Duration of Immersion
The most critical factor for waterbirths is not to enter the tub or birthing pool too early. Studies have shown prolonged immersion can lower the level of oxytocin in the body, which can then slow labor.
Dr. Odent's research has intimated a correlation between longer labours
in women immersed before dilating 5 cm and levels of hormone secretion.
Upon entering the water, an oxytocin surge occurs, which increases
uterine contractions and facilitates dilation and effacement. After
90-120 minutes, this effect wanes and labor can slow.
Taking
breaks from the water, especially if the
mother desires
to enter the pool in the early stages of labor, can counteract this
effect.
In water births where the mother chooses to have more than one birth companion present, a specific individual should be designated to ensure that the above guidelines are followed.
