Lately, some videos of women giving birth at sea have been circulating on social media that have gone viral. This has generated some controversy in the medical community and among midwives and maternal and child health specialists.
The release of these videos has sparked debates about the safety and convenience of giving birth in an uncontrolled marine environment. Although the act itself may have spiritual or emotional connotations for some women, health professionals emphasize the risks involved.
Today we are going to try to qualify some information. Are there advantages to giving birth in water? Is it possible? Of course.
Advantages of water birth
Water birth, also known as "bathtub birth" or "pool birth," is an increasingly popular option for some women. It is performed in a controlled environment, such as a delivery room in a hospital, a birth center, or at home, but accompanied by specialized personnel. Where precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Hot water provides a relaxing and calming environment, which can help reduce pain and tension during childbirth. Floating in water facilitates position changes and movements during childbirth, which can help the mother find the most comfortable position for giving birth. Additionally, floating in water decreases body weight and relieves pressure on joints, which may be beneficial for women with lower back or pelvic pain during labor.
The aquatic environment can reduce anxiety and promote the release of endorphins, which helps the mother relax and face the birth process more calmly. Soaking in warm water can improve circulation, which benefits both mother and baby during delivery. For the baby, water birth provides a smoother transition from the intrauterine environment to the outside world, as water maintains a sensation similar to amniotic fluid.
Despite the advantages mentioned, it is important to clarify that water birth is not suitable for all women. It is essential to consult with a health professional, such as a midwife or obstetrician, to evaluate the suitability of this option based on the mother's medical history and the progress of the pregnancy.
What happens then with birth at sea?
Although it may sound romantic, giving birth at sea can carry more risks for mother and baby. Some of the main problems are the lack of control over hygiene and the environment. In a natural environment such as the sea, it is difficult to maintain the same level of hygiene and control as one would have in a hospital environment. Although we would love to think that the sea could be as clean as a swimming pool or a bathtub, this is not the case. Seawater can contain bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants that would increase the risk of infections for both mother and baby.
Furthermore, the sea is a natural environment and therefore unpredictable. Tides, waves, and weather can change quickly, which could jeopardize the safety of the mother and baby during delivery. In the event of serious complications during birth at sea, such as postpartum hemorrhage or acute fetal distress, rapid access to medical care and specialized equipment may be limited.
Giving birth in water, especially in the sea, significantly increases the risk of drowning for both mother and baby. This is because, at sea, waves and currents can be unpredictable and make it difficult to control the mother's body during the birth process.
It is important to note that, to date, birth at sea is not a medical practice endorsed or recommended by recognized health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), or the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO). The risks associated with this practice outweigh the potential benefits and therefore it is not considered safe.
If a woman is interested in a more natural birth or with an aquatic environment, there are safer and more controlled options, such as water birth in a pool specially designed for these purposes, which offers a safer environment and is monitored by health professionals. specialists such as midwives and obstetricians. The safety and well-being of both mother and baby should be the primary consideration in any decision related to childbirth.
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