In the olden days, i.e., before the development of the healthcare fraternity, women gave birth to their babies at home. Usually, they carried out this process in a tub of warm water. 

Since last decade, this method of childbirth is growing popular again although there are certain risks involved. 

 

Benefits of Water Birth 

• Water birth increases the comfort for the baby as compared to other methods. This is because the water feels similar to amniotic fluid in amniotic sac where the baby grew for the last 9 months inside the mother’s uterus

• The water buoyancy encourages necessary contractions and speeds up labour for mother

• The presence of warm water improves the blood circulation to the uterus, thus soothing the pain felt by the mother

• The immersion in water allows lowering of the blood pressure which in-turn helps in lowering the anxiety levels 
   

Risks of Water Birth 

• The umbilical cord can twist even before the baby is out of the water

• The mother and child are at a risk of getting infections

• The baby’s body temperature could end up being extreme, i.e., either too high or too low

• The baby may have breathing issues

• The baby could also develop convulsions

• If the mother enters the birth pool a bit too early, it may slowdown the process of labour

 

Precautions to take for/ during water birth 

• This method of delivery needs direction and monitoring by licensed and very skilled doctors along with their assisting staff to lower any risks

• The pool and water should be clean and properly sanitised. The temperature of the water should be properly regulated 

• Discuss the alternate methods of delivery in advance with the doctor incase of any emergency complications

• Adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration

 

Water Birth is not recommended if any of these exists

• Breech Birth

• Pre-mature delivery

• Huge size of the baby

• The mother’s age is either beyond 35 or below 18

• Poor health history or complications like diabetes, cramp, etc. in mother

• The mother is prone to infections in the past

• Twins or triplet pregnancy

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POSTPARTUM PERIOD

 

Postpartum period is the period after the process of parturition or childbirth. This is a very critical phase for the recovery of mother and for the baby to adjust to this new world.

The entire phase is divided into three periods:
 

1. The Acute Postpartum Period

• This is the initial phase of postpartum period, which is the first 6-12 hours post childbirth

• The greatest risk at this stage is postpartum bleeding

• During the early stages of uterine involution, the mother shall face the vaginal discharge, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, termed as lochia. This discharge continues for 4-6 weeks after parturition

• The medical staff shall be present with the mother to monitor bleeding

• Uterine massage is generally given to help the uterus contract

• The vaginal tear during childbirth is stitched post-delivery, incase of vaginal delivery

 

2. The Subacute Postpartum Period 

• The subacute postpartum period starts after the acute postpartum period concludes and it can last for 2–6 weeks

• After 2–4 days of postpartum, the mother undergoes lactation, the process of production of milk from her breasts to feed her baby. This results in further reduction in size of the uterus 

• The uterus shrinks and becomes half the weight as compared to the immediate stage after childbirth 

• The mother may face infections, difficulty in urination, constipation, and haemorrhoids

• This phase can lead to psychological disorders, such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum mood disorders or postpartum stress disorder in mother

• Approximately 70-80% of postpartum women will experience "baby blues" for a few days. This is due to the changing body, pain, and the fear of handling the child with proper care

• Lochia discharge persists at this stage too. i.e., it persists for 4-6 weeks after parturition. However, this discharge will gradually decrease and turn from bright red, to brownish, to yellow and cease at around five or six weeks

• The women are advised to wear adult diapers or disposable maternity briefs. The use of tampons or menstrual cups are not recommended as they may introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection

 

3. The Delayed Postpartum Period

• The delayed postpartum period starts after the subacute postpartum period concludes and can last up to 6 weeks

• It is at this stage that the muscles and connective tissues return to pre pregnancy state.

• Certain recoveries can slow down upon reaching this stage, such as urination and faecal difficulties and painful intercourse, if left unattended in the earlier stages

• Normally by 2nd or 3rd month of childbirth, estrogen levels drop, leading to severe hair fall, predominantly in the temple area. However, the hair grows back gradually without any need for treatment. 

• At this stage, the mother may start to have other health conditions such as postpartum thyroiditis.

• By this time, the infant’s sleep patterns start adjusting to normal, allowing improvement in the sleep pattern of the mother too 

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Changes in Menstrual cycle after childbirth

The delivery related bleeding may continue upto 6 weeks. The first period post pregnancy will occur after 6 to 8 weeks if the mother is not breast-feeding. Otherwise, it may take few months.

There are certain changes in the menstrual cycle initially, right after the episode of pregnancy and delivery.

• You may feel cramps and pain stronger than before

• Discharge of small blood clots

• Heavier flow than usual

• The bleeding will be irregular  

• Length of the menstruation cycle may vary

• Rise in intensity of uterine cramps due to hormonal changes and shedding of uterine lining, as the uterine cavity becomes larger after pregnancy

 

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