Water birth and infection in babies (2024)

FAQs

Water birth and infection in babies? ›

The time that the baby spends underwater during a water birth is often a top concern for many care professionals. Since blood, other fluids and solids are a natural part of labor and delivery, babies could be exposed to bacteria if they open their eyes or mouth underwater. And that could possibly lead to infection.

Overall rates of newborn infection do not differ between waterbirth and land birth (Bovbjerg et al. 2021). However, there have been reports of rare cases of newborn infection after waterbirth (Vanderlaan & Hall 2020).

Yes, water births are safe. It makes no difference in how healthy babies are, and they're no more likely to have difficulty breathing or to die. In fact, some research suggests your baby is less likely to need a transfer to hospital or stay in hospital or to be admitted to neonatal intensive care.

Pediatricians are most concerned with the potential risk of aspiration, hypothermia, and infection when babies are born in water.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that while water may provide some benefits in the first stage of labor, there isn't evidence yet to support benefits for the baby. So, while ACOG says it's okay to labor in water, they recommend “delivering on land.”

Neonates exhibit less efficient immune responses to pathogens than adults because a specific regulatory mechanism prevents the induction of an appropriate response to fight many types of infections.

Shatken-Stern also notes that water births have been shown to decrease the risk of severe perineal tearing and the need for an episiotomy. An added benefit of water birth for the baby is the gentle transition it provides to life outside the womb.

When you are close to birthing your baby in the water you will need to keep aware of ensuring your bottom half remains submerged. Babies have lived in fluid for 9 months and therefore have not needed their oxygen from the air as we do, instead they receive this through their umbilical cord.

Are there any risks of infection? There is no statistical evidence that there is any more risk of an infection to both you and your baby with a water birth. Hospitals are meticulous when cleaning pools after every water birth and do regular checks to ensure that the pool is left hygienic after use.

Likewise, in a birthing pool, some babies with unrecognised hypoxia may gasp underwater. Indeed, the 1994 to 1996 survey cited two reports of water aspiration,² and similar cases have been documented in the literature. Our case report emphasises the adverse effects of aspiration of water in birthing pools.

Are water birth babies calmer? ›

Babies born under water can be calmer following birth than babies born in air and may not cry or move vigorously. This is normal and no reason for worry. Your midwife will carefully observe you and your baby following birth, giving you any guidance and support needed.

Conceivably, uncompromised fetuses may be at risk of water aspiration and its resulting sequelae. Umbilical cord avulsion (cord “snapping” or cord rupture) has been observed as the newborn is lifted or maneuvered out of the water.

It is not advisable for you to use the pool if: • If you have a medical condition or serious infection. monitoring). during your pregnancy we would recommend avoiding use of the birthing pool due to the increased likelihood of your baby being larger and possible complications during the birth.

The baby has what is called a “dive reflex”, which is an automatic response in newborns up to the age of six months and assists the baby with breastfeeding. The dive reflex happens when liquid hits the back of the throat causing the glottis to close so that liquid is swallowed rather than breathed in.

There's usually no separate fee for laboring in a tub in a hospital, and your insurance will probably cover most of it (though you'll have to check your policy). The fees for a midwife for a home water birth or birth center water birth are usually included in whatever they charge for a normal birth.

"Giving birth in the ocean comes with its own set of risks including the temperature of the water, the unpredictability of tides and waves, and risk of infection due to harmful bacteria or pathogens in the water."

Likewise, in a birthing pool, some babies with unrecognised hypoxia may gasp underwater. Indeed, the 1994 to 1996 survey cited two reports of water aspiration,² and similar cases have been documented in the literature. Our case report emphasises the adverse effects of aspiration of water in birthing pools.