Childbirth in water

by Manuela Ribolla
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Parto in acqua Everyone knows the benefits brought by water and that without this element no form of life could exist. But, there is more. Woman go through one of the most beautiful and natural experiences in the world, the birth of a child. A new life that comes from us and that for nine months lives inside our bodies, which nourish and guard it jealously. And it is precisely then that water can helps us, in a moment so magical and special that we can enjoy all its advantages. Thanks to birth in water.

This method, water birth, is a relatively recent phenomenon in the West. In 1960, Russian researcher Igor Charkovsky conducted extensive studies on the benefits and safety of this method, the same year the French Frederick Leboyer developed the practice of immersing infants in warm water to help in the passage from the uterus to the outside world and to mitigate the potential psychological trauma arising from birth. But the benefits of giving birth in water also extend to the mother. The water is relaxing and eases the pain of childbirth by reducing the secretion of adrenaline caused by pain and fear. It also stimulates the release of endorphins (natural substances with analgesic and relaxing effect) and increases the elasticity of the perineum, reducing the need to use episiotomy.

The bioenergetic relationship with this element encourages the deep and interior contact of the woman giving birth. Indeed, only the absence of stimuli emitted by the external environment allows a state of concentration and introspection, which is essential during the birth. It is in this condition of complete contact (body-mind-soul) that the abovementioned endorphins and hormones are produced in order to regulate the stages of labor.

Oxytocin is produced from the pituitary, a small gland located under the cerebral hemispheres, hence the stages of childbirth are regulated by the oldest portion of the brain. For this reason, external factors, by stimulating the cortex, inhibit the neurochemical processes. By observing childbirths in water it has been found out that certain situations recur: a reduction of the labor pain and duration and a diminuition of the episiotomies (in order to relax the muscles of the perineum).

And there is also the component of maternal privacy: water operators are 'out', health interventions are reduced, and it becomes unlikely that the doctor will put pressure with his elbow on the mother's belly (Kristeller Maneuver). The benefits for the baby, as is easily understood, derive from the state in favor experienced by the mother. Once the pseudo risks of hygiene have been exposed, birth in water has become one of the opportunities available to mother and child, although it is not possible everywhere: in Italy, the hospitals offering water birth can be found mainly in the central and northern regions.

It is also important to note that it is not possible for the baby to inhale the water during birth because the apneic reflex is fully active and the perception of the presence of liquid inhibits respiration. Also, if water does enter the mouth, reflexes will stimulate swallowing. In any case, at the time of birth, the obstetrician will hold the child above the surface, wiping his face, and sucking the mucus from the mouth with a small tube.

The immersion of the pregnant women only occurs in the active phase of labor, when the transformation of the cervix is already complete and has begun its expansion in the presence of regular and effective contractions. This timing is adopted to avoid the retardant and sedative effect of the hot water early in labor. However, it should be noted that this methodology is not applicable in cases where there are significant maternal or fetal diseases (hypertension, fetal hyperdevelopment, etc.).

It is often pointed out, quite rightly, the fundamental importance water has for life. But water helps us not only to live, but to give birth. Water truly is the source of life.

(translated by Justine Levesque)

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