However, Janet Balaskas, an authority on waterbirth, states that the baby will not start to breathe until stimulated by air on his skin. Greater risk of tearing Some doctors think that the perineum is more likely to tear if a woman gives birth in water. It's slightly more common for the umbilical cord to snap following a waterbirth than a land birth. A snapped cord should not be an emergency situation for a properly trained midwife. Midwives are now advised to avoid pulling on the cord as they lift the baby from the water into his mother's arms.
Hospitals place certain restrictions on the use of the birthing pool.
There is a risk that the mother may bleed heavily at this time, and it is easier to see how much blood is actually being lost if the mother is on dry land rather than immersed in water. Fact-checked by the BabyCentre Editorial Team and approved by our Medical Advisory Board . Comments Share tips and views with other parents Type in your ideas and suggestions on this topic. All rights reserved. This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only.