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https://www.facebook.com/wysewomen/posts/10154476981365544

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You know that your cervix needs to dilate in order for your baby to be born.

But how much do you actually know about dilation of the cervix?

Cervical dilation has become one of the most focused on areas of labour and birth, so it's important you are aware of exactly what it's all about.

The cervix is the opening to the womb. It's located between the vagina and the uterus and plays a crucial role in pregnancy and labour.

During pregnancy, it remains closed and the opening is blocked with a mucus plug.

What Is Dilation Of The Cervix All About?

Normally, your cervix remains closed and hard. This protects your uterus from the outside environment and any potential bacteria.

During pregnancy, the cervix begins to slowly ripen, due to increased blood flow and hormones. These changes help the cervix to respond to contractions during labour.

So that your baby can be born, your cervix must thin and open, which is referred to as effacement and dilation. Contractions which are mild and irregular may contribute to this cervical dilation. It's not uncommon for women who check their cervix to discover it has begun opening.

What's All This About Centimetres?

Just to be clear, no one is actually going to measure your cervix. Your care provider will place two fingers inside your vagina (called a vaginal examination) and work out how many finger widths fit into the opening of the cervix.

If one fingertip fits, the cervix is considered to be 1 centimetre dilated. If the tips of two fingers fit, this means the cervix is dilated two centimetres. Depending on the distance the two fingers can stretch will indicate further dilation. It is usual to refer to full dilation as 10 centimetres.

If you get a ruler or tape measure, you can stretch your middle and index finger to get an idea of the way your care provider estimates dilation.

Many care providers prefer to do vaginal examinations so they can chart progress against the traditional standard of dilation of the cervix. This means one centimetre per hour, with active labour beginning at four centimetres. This standard is based on the Friedman's curve, a graph developed in the 1950s and still influences routine labour management today.

Does Dilation Mean I'm In Labour?

Dilation on its own isn't an indicator that you are actually in labour. Many women can be told their cervix is dilated 2-3 centimetres, yet have no other signs of labour.

Dilation also doesn't indicate when you will go into labour.

Your care provider might offer to perform a vaginal examination at an antenatal appointment and say your cervix is 3cms dilated. This doesn't necessarily mean you will go into labour in the next day or even week. And don't be disappointed if your cervix is closed and firm - you may go into labour later that day. Every labour is unique and what happens for one woman won't necessarily happen to the next.

Is A Vaginal Exam Necessary?

Vaginal examinations are optional procedures yet many women worry they won't know how dilated they are during labour if their care provider doesn't perform one. How will they know they are in active labour, or close to pushing?

If your care provider is observing you, they can note a number of different signs to indicate where you are in labour and guess at your dilation.

Generally in early labour, women tend to be quite alert and may talk through contractions as they tend to be quite mild at this stage. As labour progresses, the woman will begin to concentrate or focus and stop talking during contractions.

As the cervix gets closer to full dilation, contractions get longer, stronger and closer together. The woman will begin to go inward or possibly become irritable and restless. These contractions require focus and her breathing usually becomes deep and strong to get through each one.

After each contraction, she may go into a meditative state until the next one begins. It is common for a gush of fluid, mucus and bloody show to occur at this stage, as the cervix is probably dilated 6-7 centimetres.

Pressure may start to increase in the pelvis as the baby begins to descend. Often women begin to make different sounds, such as moans, grunts or low vocal tones. When the cervix is almost completely dilated, contractions are frequent and lasting around 90 seconds.

There are other physical signs indicating when you are close to or at full dilation.

Your care provider can check your fundal height. At full term pregnancy there is normally five finger widths between the top of the uterus (fundus) and the bottom of your sternum. When in labour, the uterus is being pulled up or bunching at the top. As dilation progresses, the space between the fundus and sternum gets smaller, until at full dilation there is usually no gap between them.

Many birth workers recognise an earthy or musky smell that women have when they are entering transition (the stage before pushing when the cervix is dilated). There is also the telltale purple line, which extends along the cleft between your buttocks. As the baby descend, increased pressure on blood vessels causes the normally pink line in the cleft to turn purple. The line starts at the anus and moves up. When it has reached the top of the cleft, the cervix is fully dilated.

Here are 7 key points you need to know about vaginal examinations.

How Fast Will I Dilate?

Even though care providers are still using the Friedman's curve (1cm/hour) to decide how labour is progressing, in reality every woman dilates according to her own body's rule. Most hospitals require a vaginal examination to check women are in active labour (4cms or more) before being admitted. Yet a study of over 1300 women showed progress can be slow until around 6cm, and the slowest rate of cervical dilation was under 1cm per hour.

A study in 2012 analyzed over 50 000 normal labours and found dilation appears to accelerate after 6-7 centimetres. The researchers found the rate of cervical dilation from 4 to 6 centimetres was much slower than current standards allowed for. This indicates care providers need to allow for more time during the earlier stages of labour, to allow for the variations in dilation among women.

What Affects Dilation?

Effective cervical dilation is dependent on the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates efficient uterine contractions. The uterus draws upwards, which in turn causes the cervix to thin and dilate. It is during this stage of labour women most need to be undisturbed, to promote oxytocin levels to increase as labour progresses. If a woman is exposed to bright lights, noise cold, or has no privacy, her body may start to produce adrenaline.

Adrenaline is released by the body in the 'fight or flight' response to a perceived danger or threat. During labour, mammals need to be able to move to safety if threatened. Humans are no different, even though we rarely give birth in the wild, the part of our brain that regulates hormone production and threat analysis is unable to distinguish between a real and an imagined danger.

As your body makes more adrenaline, you make less oxytocin and contractions begin to slow down, become irregular, or even stop. World renowned midwife, Ina May Gaskin, often discussed reversal of cervical dilation occurring when women go to hospital after labouring well at home for hours. They may encounter staff they don't like or be under pressure to have procedures or interventions they don't want.

Contractions often slow or stall because of rising adrenaline levels, and a vaginal examination shows 'only' two centimetres - the woman is sent home or may have her labour augmented (given medications to stimulate contractions).

But My Cervix Wouldn't Dilate

There are some factors that can affect your body's ability to dilate. In most of these situations there is a way to work through them, rather than consider your body as faulty.

Adrenaline and stress hormones: read BellyBelly's article on undisturbed labour and how to limit stress during labour.

Malpositioning of your baby: this can affect where your baby's head is presenting. Practice optimal fetal positioning during pregnancy and choose upright positions during labour.

Hormone problems such as oxytocin deficiency: while rare, it can be seen in prolonged stressful situations, hypothyroidism, depression, fibromyalgia, autism, CMV infection.

Previous traumatic experiences: previous traumatic birth experience, or those who have survived sexual violence.

When these situations are unable to be overcome, making an informed decision with the support of your care provider will help you give birth safely.

...

It doesn't matter where women choose to birth, most will at some stage become focused on dilation. You may want to wait till a certain point in labour before deciding to have an epidural or let a certain person know if they need to be available or present.

It's important to remember that dilation tells us a measurement for the here and now - it has no relevance compared to other labours or other women's experiences, and it can't predict the future. Cervical dilation is not a crystal ball and can change rapidly from minute to minute.

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Dilation Of The Cervix - What You Need To Know | BellyBelly

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You know that your cervix needs to dilate in order for your baby to be born. But how much do you actually know about dilation of the cervix? Cervical dilation has become one of the most focused on areas of labour and birth, so it's important you are aware of exactly what it's all about.

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Hormones, labour and birth: an introduction

You know your hormones are going to be working hard at this time but you might not know exactly what they're doing. You'll in fact have four major hormonal systems active when you're in labour and giving birth. These hormones are:

oxytocin (the love hormone)

beta-endorphins (the hormones of pleasure and transcendence)

epinephrine and norepinephrine (the hormones of excitement)

prolactin (the mothering hormone).

(Buckley, 2002)

Here's what impact all four will have on you...

Oxytocin or the love hormone

Oxytocin is the love hormone, which is why it's released during sex, orgasm, birth and breastfeeding (Odent, 1999; Buckley, 2002).

Oxytocin will make you feel more affectionate and selfless, and its main function in labour is to bring on contractions (Dawood et al, 1978). You'll get a surge of oxytocin in the final stage, so if you're having a vaginal birth it will help you along with pushing.

Oxytocin reduces stress, calms you down and helps with pain during labour (Buckley, 2015). Impressively, your baby will also produce oxytocin before and during labour (Chard et al, 1971).

Oxytocin hangs around after birth too, helping you feel more relaxed, well-nourished and bonded with your baby (Buckley 2002, Buckley 2015). It helps with the let-down reflex during breastfeeding and protects you against postpartum haemorrhage (Buckley, 2002).

Beta-endorphins or the pleasure hormones

Endorphins are naturally occurring opiates, similar to morphine and heroin. Like oxytocin, they mostly appear during sex, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Beta-endorphins reduce pain and suppress the immune system, which is important so that it doesn't act 'against' your baby (Buckley, 2002, 2015).

If you're stressed during labour, that can make you release excessive beta-endorphins, which may inhibit oxytocin and slow things down (Buckley 2015). That's why keeping things as calm as possible is a great thing in labour.

Beta-endorphin also helps with the release of prolactin during labour, preparing your breasts for feeding (Rivier et al, 1976).

And one more thing: it helps in the final phase of your baby's developing lungs too (Buckley 2015).

Epinephrine and norepinephrine or fight or flight hormones

You might have heard these two referred to as fight-or-flight hormones but their proper names are epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline and noradrenaline). They are produced during stresses like fright, anxiety, hunger or cold and also when you're excited (Buckley 2015).

You're likely to get a high level of these hormones if you don't feel private, calm, safe and undisturbed and they can then inhibit oxytocin (Buckley 2015). Yet in the late-labour stage if you perceive danger or stress, they may paradoxically stimulate contractions so you give birth more quickly (Buckley 2015).

A rise in epinephrine when you're in the later stages of labour increases your levels of prostaglandin and cortisol to help with contractions. This will make you feel a sudden rush of energy and will cause several strong contractions and will help you push (Buckley, 2002, 2015).

These hormones help your baby too by protecting them against a lack of oxygen (Buckley, 2002). Your baby will have high levels of these hormones during birth but they'll drop quickly once you sooth them afterwards (Lagercrantz and Bistoletti 1977; Buckley, 2002).

Prolactin or the mothering hormone

Prolactin is the mothering hormone. And it's the major hormone for breastfeeding.

Prolactin starts to increase during pregnancy and peaks at birth (Buckley, 2002). Your baby produces prolactin in the womb too (Daniels and Martin, 1994).

Hormones and your feelings after birth

Lots of women get the baby blues during the first week after birth of her baby days (NHS Choices, 2018). You might feel down or depressed, emotional or irritated and likely to burst into tears at any second.

Don't despair though: these symptoms are totally normal. They're due to the sudden hormonal and chemical changes that happen after you give birth.

If you feel like you are suffering from something more extreme and it isn't going away though, talk to your GP or midwife. You might be suffering from postnatal depression and should get some support or help right away.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Buckley SJ. (2015) Hormonal physiology of childbearing: Evidence and implications for women, babies, and maternity care. Washington, D.C.: Childbirth Connection Programs, National Partnership for Women and Families. Available from: http://www.nationalpartnership.org/research-library/maternal-health/hor... [Accessed 25th April 2018]

Buckley SJ. (2002) Ecstatic birth: The hormonal blueprint of labor. Available from: http://www.dancingstarbirth.ca/Handouts/Ecstatic_Birth.pdf [Accessed 25th April 2018]

Chard T, Hudson CN, Edwards CR, Boyd NR. (1971)Release of oxytocin and vasopressin by the human fetus during labour. Nature. 234:352-354. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4944487 [Accessed 25th April 2018]

Daniels G, Martin J. (1994) Neuroendocrine regulation and diseases of the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus, In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th edition. New York: McGraw- Hill. [Accessed 25th April 2018]

Dawood MY, Raghavan KS, Pociask C, Fuchs F. (1978) Oxytocin in human pregnancy and partrurition. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1978; (51):138-143. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/622223 [Accessed 25th April 2018]
Lagercrantz H and Bistoletti H. (1977) Catecholamine release in the newborn infant at birth. Pediatric Research. 8:889-893. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/887309 [Accessed 25th April 2018]

NHS Choices. (2018) Feeling depressed after childbirth. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/feeling-depressed-afte... [Accessed 25th April 2018]

Odent M. (1999) The Scientification of Love. London. Free Association Press.

Rivier C, Vale W, Ling N, Brown M, Guillemin R.(1976) Stimulation in vivo of the secretion of prolactin and growth hormone by beta-endorphin. Endocrinology. 100:238-241. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/187406 [Accessed 25th April 2018]

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Hormones in labour: oxytocin and the others - how they work

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You know your hormones are going to be working hard at this time but you might not know exactly what they're doing. You'll in fact have four major hormonal systems active when you're in labour and giving birth.

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10 things you should know

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Tips from Michael Odent

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Michel Odent's 4 Tips To Ensure The Birth You Want - Mothering

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World-famous obstetrician Michel Odent has changed the way women give birth. And he says the best thing you can do is turn off your neo-cortical control.

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Togel Hongkong - Togel Singapore - Togel Sidney - Keluaran SDY - Pengeluaran SGP - Data HK Hari Ini

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Togel Hongkong - Togel Singapore - Togel Sidney - Keluaran SDY - Pengeluaran SGP - Data HK Hari Ini

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Togel Hongkong - Togel Singapore - Togel Sidney - Keluaran SDY - Pengeluaran SGP - Data HK Hari Ini

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Togel hongkong togel singapore togel sidney merupakan pasaran togel hari ini terpopuler yang memberikan hasil keluaran sdy pengeluaran sgp dan data hk hari ini.

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Maternity and Births | Births in Scottish Hospitals | Health Topics | ISD Scotland

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Although there is no legal requirement to submit these data to ISD, the level of submission falls only slightly short of the known total number of births occurring each year. As a result, Scotland has some of the best information on pregnancy and births available anywhere in the world.

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Partners, get practicing!

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(Practice these at home with your birth partner and find positions comfortable for you both)

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Third stage of labour: delivering placenta and cord clamping | Labour & birth articles & support | NCT

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You’ve met your baby but there’s still work to be done. Here’s what happens during the third – and, good news, the final – stage of labour…

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There are steps you can take during labour to encourage a straightforward birth, which have a number of benefits for you and your baby. When you understand what helps and what hinders the process of labour, you can create the right environment around you. This article covers things you can do wherever you have your baby and the effect of induction of labour.

Encouraging a straightforward birth wherever you are

Wherever you are labouring it is a good idea to keep on the move in the run up to giving birth. During labour, it is best to change positions as there are several benefits in helping you deal with the contractions, encouraging the baby through the birth canal in the best position and encouraging a straightforward birth. Try these techniques:

swaying

rocking or wriggling your hips

walking

going up and down stairs.

using a birth ball, which helps you remain upright and mobile.

Focus on managing the strong sensations of labour rather than trying to 'remove the pain'. Some of the best ways of dealing with contractions are:

immersion in warm water

changing position

massage

emotional support from someone who is calm and that you know and trust

encouraging the release of your hormones such as endorphins (see below).

If you are planning to have your baby in hospital, it's a good idea to stay at home for as long as possible once you think your labour has started. Spend the early part in your own surroundings, keep moving and carry on with normal activities for as long as possible. You can try going for a walk, having a bath, cooking a meal, dozing in between contractions - anything that will help you go into labour feeling calm and self-assured.

Once in hospital, if possible, you could opt for the midwife to listen in to the baby's heart at intervals rather than continuous electronic fetal monitoring. The midwife can use either a small ultrasound device called a 'Doppler' or the little trumpet-like tube called a Pinard's stethoscope to listen to the baby's heartbeat. Listening in at regular intervals using less intrusive methods is just as safe for you and your baby if you have a low-risk pregnancy. With continuous electronic fetal monitoring you are more likely to have an instrumental birth, a caesarean and have a greater need for pain relief.

Hormones

There are a number of hormones which have an effect on your body in labour. You can encourage the release of the following:

Oxytocin is a hormone that your body will produce when you go into labour. It makes the uterus contract strongly and regularly. You will produce more if you don't feel afraid, anxious, embarrassed or angry, and if you remain upright.

Endorphins are nature's own pain relievers that also give a sense of well-being. They are produced during labour and help you to cope with contractions. The best approach is to 'let go' and allow your body to work with you and for you. It is known that after a straightforward birth, endorphins are at their highest ever levels in mother and baby.

Try to avoid stimulating the rational part of your brain. If the 'rational' part of your brain is stimulated it can override the 'primitive' part of your brain where oxytocin and endorphins are produced. The rational brain is stimulated by things like bright light, people asking you questions, or a feeling that you are being watched or judged. Your rational brain can be 'turned down' by labouring in a quiet, darkened room, feeling safe and having your privacy protected.

Induction of labour

If your labour hasn't started by 41 weeks, your midwife will probably offer you a 'membrane sweep'. This involves having a vaginal examination, when she will insert a finger gently into your cervix and move it between the top of the cervix and the bag of waters. This may stimulate the cervix to produce the hormones, called prostaglandins, which trigger it naturally.

If it still doesn't start after this, your midwife or GP will suggest a date to have your labour induced (started off). If you don't want to be induced, and your pregnancy continues to 42 weeks or beyond, you and your baby will be monitored. Your midwife or GP will check that both you and your baby are healthy by giving you ultrasound scans and checking your baby's heartbeat. If your baby is not doing well, your GP and midwife will again suggest that labour is induced. Read more about what happens with induction of labour and other ways to start labour.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about pregnancy, labour and life with a new baby.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tips on encouraging a straightforward birth during labour

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are steps you can take during labour to encourage a straightforward birth, which have a number of benefits for you and your baby. When you understand what helps and what hinders the process of labour, you can create the right environment around you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are steps you can take during labour to encourage a straightforward birth, which have a number of benefits for you and your baby. When you understand what helps and what hinders the process of labour, you can create the right environment around you. This article covers things you can do wherever you have your baby and the effect of induction of labour.

Encouraging a straightforward birth wherever you are

Wherever you are labouring it is a good idea to keep on the move in the run up to giving birth. During labour, it is best to change positions as there are several benefits in helping you deal with the contractions, encouraging the baby through the birth canal in the best position and encouraging a straightforward birth. Try these techniques:

swaying

rocking or wriggling your hips

walking

going up and down stairs.

using a birth ball, which helps you remain upright and mobile.

Focus on managing the strong sensations of labour rather than trying to 'remove the pain'. Some of the best ways of dealing with contractions are:

immersion in warm water

changing position

massage

emotional support from someone who is calm and that you know and trust

encouraging the release of your hormones such as endorphins (see below).

If you are planning to have your baby in hospital, it's a good idea to stay at home for as long as possible once you think your labour has started. Spend the early part in your own surroundings, keep moving and carry on with normal activities for as long as possible. You can try going for a walk, having a bath, cooking a meal, dozing in between contractions - anything that will help you go into labour feeling calm and self-assured.

Once in hospital, if possible, you could opt for the midwife to listen in to the baby's heart at intervals rather than continuous electronic fetal monitoring. The midwife can use either a small ultrasound device called a 'Doppler' or the little trumpet-like tube called a Pinard's stethoscope to listen to the baby's heartbeat. Listening in at regular intervals using less intrusive methods is just as safe for you and your baby if you have a low-risk pregnancy. With continuous electronic fetal monitoring you are more likely to have an instrumental birth, a caesarean and have a greater need for pain relief.

Hormones

There are a number of hormones which have an effect on your body in labour. You can encourage the release of the following:

Oxytocin is a hormone that your body will produce when you go into labour. It makes the uterus contract strongly and regularly. You will produce more if you don't feel afraid, anxious, embarrassed or angry, and if you remain upright.

Endorphins are nature's own pain relievers that also give a sense of well-being. They are produced during labour and help you to cope with contractions. The best approach is to 'let go' and allow your body to work with you and for you. It is known that after a straightforward birth, endorphins are at their highest ever levels in mother and baby.

Try to avoid stimulating the rational part of your brain. If the 'rational' part of your brain is stimulated it can override the 'primitive' part of your brain where oxytocin and endorphins are produced. The rational brain is stimulated by things like bright light, people asking you questions, or a feeling that you are being watched or judged. Your rational brain can be 'turned down' by labouring in a quiet, darkened room, feeling safe and having your privacy protected.

Induction of labour

If your labour hasn't started by 41 weeks, your midwife will probably offer you a 'membrane sweep'. This involves having a vaginal examination, when she will insert a finger gently into your cervix and move it between the top of the cervix and the bag of waters. This may stimulate the cervix to produce the hormones, called prostaglandins, which trigger it naturally.

If it still doesn't start after this, your midwife or GP will suggest a date to have your labour induced (started off). If you don't want to be induced, and your pregnancy continues to 42 weeks or beyond, you and your baby will be monitored. Your midwife or GP will check that both you and your baby are healthy by giving you ultrasound scans and checking your baby's heartbeat. If your baby is not doing well, your GP and midwife will again suggest that labour is induced. Read more about what happens with induction of labour and other ways to start labour.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about pregnancy, labour and life with a new baby.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tips on encouraging a straightforward birth during labour

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are steps you can take during labour to encourage a straightforward birth, which have a number of benefits for you and your baby. When you understand what helps and what hinders the process of labour, you can create the right environment around you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many women find having a bath or shower very comfortable in pregnancy, and this feeling of relaxation in water can continue in labour. What's not to love about it - it's warm and you're buoyant so you can move more easily into any position that suits you. Being in the water also increases the chance of respectful midwifery care, and women say it improves their experience (Lewis et al, 2018).

But what about the potential for mess? When might you need to get out? And what will the midwife be doing? Here we answer your questions...

When should I get in the pool?

The great thing is that there's no should about it - you can feel free to get in and out as you wish. There's no evidence that the timing of when you get into the pool makes much difference. You might be a little wobbly on your feet so a birth partner should help you as you get into and out of the pool.

How can my birth partner help?

Here's your chance to get waited on. While in the pool, it's a good idea to have your partner offer you drinks frequently, to make sure you stay hydrated. Your partner can even join you in the pool if you like.

What will my midwife do?

The midwife's role in a water birth is the same as with a land birth. That is, they will monitor you and your baby during labour and birth.

You can decide if you are willing to get out of the pool at any point for internal checks. Try not to worry though, the midwife will have equipment to check all is well while you're in the water too. They'll have waterproof equipment to monitor the baby's heartbeat and a mirror to check the baby as they emerge. They'll also check both your temperature and the pool's hourly, to make sure you're comfortable (NICE, 2014).

Midwives are trained in how to use water for labour and birth, and each NHS trust will have its own guidance for use of their pools (RCM, 2012). This guidance will include measures to check the quality of the water reaching the pool, protocols for cleaning the pool and infection control procedures (RCM, 2012; NICE, 2014).

What temperature will the birthing pool be?

The midwife will keep an eye on the temperature, and will let you know if it's getting too hot (NICE, 2014). The water temperature should not be above 37.5°C (NICE, 2014).

What if I want to get out?

Sometimes women feel their labour has slowed and want to get out of the pool to walk around until it starts again. You can do that and return to the pool if you want. Whatever the case, you'll want warm dry clothes to make sure you don't get too cold.

You might want to get out to use the toilet, or get extra pain relief, or because you simply don't find it comfortable. Some women prefer to get out of the pool and birth the baby on dry land.

What's the longest time I can spend in the water?

Your time in the pool during labour should not be restricted. There is no evidence to say it's an advantage to limit how long you stay in the pool when you're labouring (RCM, 2012).

Will my midwife suggest I get out of the water?

Your midwife might ask you to get out of the water for a vaginal examination to assess progress. You can accept or decline.

If the midwife becomes concerned about you or your baby's wellbeing, she might suggest getting out of the water. This might include if you develop a high temperature, pulse, or blood pressure or are bleeding from the vagina. Concerns about the baby would include changes in the baby's heart rate or meconium (baby's poo) in the water.

What happens if my baby is born in water?

Don't worry, your baby won't drown. If your baby is born in the water, they are brought gently to the surface by the mother or midwife. The baby will not breathe until they meet the air, and they continue to get oxygen through the umbilical cord.

Initially, the baby's body is kept in the water, and against the mother's body, to stay warm. The baby might be very calm, and not cry loudly. You can offer your breast at this point if you like. For more on how your baby will start breastfeeding, see here.

Do I need to get out of the pool to birth my placenta?

You don't have to get out of the pool to birth the placenta (RCM, 2018). Sometimes women decide to get out, and sometimes they stay in. You can tell your midwife what you'd prefer in advance, and you can always change your mind.

Try to remember, this is a common way to birth (CQC, 2018). Midwives are well trained to help you give birth in water. So you're in good hands, and you can relax and let the water help you along.
This page was last reviewed in March 2019.
Further information

Our helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.

For further support and information, see the AIMs, MVP and Which? Birth-choice websites.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area and see what NCT activities are happening nearby.

You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Brocklehurst P, Hardy P, Hollowell J, Linsell L, Macfarlane A, McCourt C, Marlow N, Miller A, Newburn M, Petrou S, Puddicombe D, Redshaw M, Rowe R, Sandall J, Silverton L, Stewart M. (2011) 'Perinatal and maternal outcomes by planned place of birth for healthy women with low risk pregnancies: the Birthplace in England national prospective cohort study'. BMJ.343:d7400. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22117057 [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

Cluett ER, Burns E, Cuthbert A. (2018) Immersion in water in labour and birth. (5):CD000111. Available from: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000111/PREG_immersion-water-labour-and-birth [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

CQC. (2018) 2017 Maternity survey: national tables for England. Available from: https://www.cqc.org.uk/publications/surveys/maternity-services-survey-2017 [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

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Dekker R. (2018) The evidence on: waterbirth. Available from: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/waterbirth/ [Accessed: 4th March 2019]

Garland D. (2000) Waterbirth: an Attitude to Care. 2nd edition. Oxford: Books for Midwives Press

Lewis L, Hauck YL, Crichton C, Barnes C, Poletti C, Overing H, Keyes L, Thomson B. (2018) 'The perceptions and experiences of women who achieved and did not achieve a waterbirth', BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 18(1):23. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5763519/ [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

NICE. (2014) CG190 Intrapartum care. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg190/chapter/recommendations#timing-of-regional-analgesia [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

Public Health England. (2014) Patient Safety Alert: Legionella and heated birthing pools filled in advance of labour in home settings. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/psa-legionella-birth-pool.pdf [Accessed: 4th March 2019]

Redshaw M, Henderson J. (2015) Safely delivered: a national survey of women's experience of maternity care 2014, Oxford, NPEU. Available from: https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/downloads/files/reports/Safely%20delivered%20NMS%202014.pdf [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

RCM. (2012) Evidence based guidelines : Immersion in water for labour and birth. Available from: https://www.rcm.org.uk/sites/default/files/Immersion%20in%20Water%20%20for%20Labour%20and%20Birth_0.pdf [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

RCM. (2018) RCM Midwifery Blue top guidance No. 1, London, Royal College of Midwives.

Ulfsdottir H, Saltvedt S, Georgsson S (2018) 'Waterbirth in Sweden - a comparative study', Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 97(3):341-348. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29288489 [Accessed: 13th November 2018]

Winterton N. (1992) Maternity Services: Second report of the House of Commons Health Committee (The Winterton Report), London, HMSO.

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How to labour in water or have a water birth

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Many women find having a bath or shower very comfortable in pregnancy, and this feeling of relaxation in water can continue in labour. What's not to love about it - it's warm and you're buoyant so you can move more easily into any position that suits you.