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20040205-1* Giving birth and being born in
the water. Experience after 1325 waterbirths - Italian
Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics , vol 15, no 3-4, 2003, pp
113-120 Thoeni A; Oberhuber A; Moroder
L - (2003) |
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Objective: The aim of our study has been to point out
the advantages of waterbirth. IN this respect 1325 consecutive waterbirths
have been analysed and then compared with two different delivery
positions. Methods: We compared 1325 waterbirths, 515 deliveries in bed
and 237 on the delivery stool over the last 7 years. We evaluated duration
of labour, perineal trauma, arterial cord blood pH and postpartum maternal
haemoglobin levels. We analysed 200 water samples taken from the pool
after filling and after delivery, in order to examine pathogenous
micro-organisms and the possibilities of neonatal infections. Results: A
significant reduction in the duration (first stage) of labour (380 vs. 473
minutes) and episiotomy rate (0.45% for waterbirth, 17.2% for the bed, 7%
for the delivery stool) was noticed for the primiparae who delivered in
water in comparison with those who chose other delivery positions.
Nevertheless, the percentage of perineal trauma did not increase (23% in
all groups). There was little difference in the duration of the second
stage (33 vs. 37 minutes), and the levels of the arterial cord blood pH or
postpartum maternal haemoglobin remained unchanged. No woman who delivered
in water required analgesics. Infections after water births do not occur
more frequently than after traditional births. Conclusion: Our results
show that waterbirth has a big advantage if compared with traditional
delivery methods. It is associated with a significantly shorter first
stage of labour, lower episiotomy rate and reduced analgesic requirements
in comparison with other delivery positions. Provided that the women are
selected appropriately and hygiene rules are respected, waterbirth is safe
both for the mother and the neonate. (16 references)
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