Debunking the Drowning Myth: What Really Happens When a Baby is Born Underwater
If you’ve seen a birth video where the mom labored in a birth pool and pushed her baby out into the water, you might have first thought, “whoa wait!! Won’t the baby drown?” This is a common misconception if you’re unfamiliar with waterbirth, but thanks to the beautiful physiology of a baby’s reflexes and umbilical cord, drowning isn’t the risk it may seem at first.
Understanding the Neonatal Reflexes
Newborns have a series of instinctive reflexes that protect them during birth. One such reflex is the “gag reflex,” which helps prevent the baby from inhaling water. When a baby is born underwater, their body is naturally equipped to handle this environment.
Fetal Breathing Reflex: During the time in the womb, the baby’s lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, not air. When the baby is submerged in water at birth, their breathing reflex is not triggered until they are exposed to air. The baby instinctively holds their breath when submerged, and the act of breathing is only initiated once they come into contact with air.
The Diving Reflex: Babies have a diving reflex, which causes them to hold their breath and slow their heart rate when submerged in water. This reflex is a trait designed to protect infants in aquatic environments. When a baby is born underwater, this reflex helps prevent them from inhaling water.
Oxygen Through the Umbilical Cord: During a water birth, the baby continues to receive oxygen from the placenta through the umbilical cord until they take their first breath. The umbilical cord is still connected to the placenta, which provides the baby with the necessary oxygen and nutrients. This means that even while the baby is underwater, they are not deprived of oxygen. The oxygenated blood from the placenta continues to flow through the umbilical cord, ensuring the baby remains well-oxygenated until they are lifted out of the water and begin breathing air.
Transitioning to Air
The critical moment is the transition from the water to the air. The baby’s first breath typically occurs as they are lifted from the water and exposed to air. The transition should be smooth and immediate, minimizing any potential risks. Skilled midwives and healthcare professionals are trained to handle this transition carefully, ensuring that the baby’s head is above water and that they are breathing properly before being fully lifted from the tub.
Ensuring Safety
Maintaining proper hygiene and using clean, filtered water are crucial to minimize the risk of infections.
Water temperature should be monitored to avoid overheating or chilling, both of which can pose risks.
In summary, the fear of drowning during water birth is based on misconceptions rather than medical evidence. Newborns are naturally protected by reflexes that prevent water inhalation, and they continue to receive oxygen through the umbilical cord while underwater. With proper care and professional oversight, water birth can be a safe and positive experience for both mother and baby. By understanding the science and safety measures behind water birth, expectant parents can make more informed decisions about their birthing options and feel confident about the safety of this natural method.
Read more:
American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). (April 2014). Hydrotherapy during labor and birth. Retrieved from https://www.midwife.org/acnm/files/cclibraryfiles/filename/000000004048/hydrotherapy-during-labor-and-birth-april-2014.pdf
Evidence Based Birth: Waterbirth https://evidencebasedbirth.com/waterbirth/
