Giving birth in water, through a birthing tub or pool, might help a pregnant mom during labor. But a new guideline from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) doesn't include support for water birth.
The group cites that evidence still needs to be studied to prove that the process is without risks when it comes to delivery. This comes as hospitals across the United States continue to provide pregnant moms the option for giving birth in water.
A pregnant mother might get relief from being immersed in water during labor. It helps do away with taking pain medication and gives the mom more control of their body at this stage of labor and delivery. But the gynecologist association points out that labor and delivery in the water are two different things.
"There is no evidence to support delivering a baby in water has benefits to the baby," ACOG's Dr. Joseph Wax stated in a press release, Web MD reports. In fact, giving birth in water could cause problems in both the mom and the baby.
The pros and cons of water births. https://t.co/MmRRwHjyXk pic.twitter.com/UfdIcUtq8o
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The ACOG cites that there have been cases where giving birth in water resulted in the infection of the baby. There have been instances where the infant suffered respiratory problems and irregular temperature because of the presence of the water. There is also an increased risk to the umbilical cord, which might be damaged during a water birth.
The new guidelines go against the pronouncements by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, which supports the safety and effectiveness of giving birth in water. But the ACOG clarifies, it isn't barring water births altogether and a pregnant mom has the right to choose the procedure that she believes will be most comfortable and effective for her.
What the experts want is for pregnant moms to be informed. "Women who choose to deliver in water despite this recommendation should be informed of the potential risks," Dr. Joseph Wax told Fit Pregnancy.
Considering giving birth in the water for your pregnancy? Learn more about water births in the video below.
