Explore ‘water birth’ for less painful deliveries

Giving birth in the water can be less stressful and painful. Photo by Zhang Yifei/CFP

By Annie Wei

Pregnant women who want to deliver naturally but are fearful of the pain can explore “water birth” – giving birth in a tub of warm water, which is supposed to be less stressful for both mother and child.

China had its first recorded water birth in 2003, but the practice has not caught on as most women still prefer the familiarity of the hospital delivery bed. 

“Water birth crossed my mind before I gave birth to my son, but there just was not enough information available,” says Cui Hui, whose son is now 2 years old.

Fan Qingbo, a gynecologist at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, says water birth has not gained traction in China due to two major factors.

First, it is a service that is offered only in the country’s leading hospitals, which have huge clienteles and can afford the special water-birthing equipment and their maintenance.

Second, it is not suitable for first-time mothers, and the majority of Chinese women experience childbirth only once because of the country’s family planning policy. First babies usually take much longer to come out, and being immersed in water during the long hours of labor makes it difficult to monitor the infants’ vital signs, not to mention that it increases the probability of infection in the mother.

Fan says water births have been proven to be less painful than other birthing methods but that its claims to smarter infants, shorter labor and less trauma to the birth canal are not backed up by scientific data.

Yu Jude, a birthing expert with the Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecologic Committee, advises mothers-to-be considering water birth to thoroughly discuss this option with their gynecologist. A woman who is either too young or too old, or someone who has undergone abortion, is not a good candidate.

The final decision on whether a woman can proceed with water birth can only be made a week before her delivery date, Yu says, explaining that the infant should weigh around 3 kilograms for it to be safe.

The cost of water birth in China is higher than giving birth on a hospital bed. The price ranges from a couple of thousand to as much as 100,000 yuan. Private hospitals are also offering the service. Below are two hospitals where mothers-to-be can start their research.

Qinghua University Yuquan Hospital
Where: 5 Shijingshan Lu, Shijingshan District
Tel: 8825 7755 
Antai Hospital
Where: Building 18, 1 Xinghecheng, Jiayuan Lu, Fengtai District
Tel: 6753 7758 or 6753 7768