Giving birth in the water

4 min. to read

10 May 2018 (upd. 04 July 2025)

Content

Preparation for childbirth in water How does childbirth go in the water? Advantages of giving birth in water Disadvantages of childbirth in water When is giving birth in water impossible? Water birth at the EMC maternity hospital

Water birth in EMC maternity hospital Giving birth in water is one of the alternative methods of delivery, which is beginning to gain popularity again. This practice first appeared in the early 1980s, but then began to decline. Now there is a lot of talk about natural childbirth in water with minimal medical intervention and that water helps. However, there is also an opposite point of view: even mammals that live in water come out to give birth on land.

Giving birth in water and being in a bathtub during the first period of labor to ease contractions are two different things. In this article, we will touch on the topic of water birth itself, when a baby is born in a bathtub.

Preparation for childbirth in water

The first thing a woman who decides to give birth in the water needs to do is consult a doctor. Giving birth in water is allowed only with a perfect pregnancy and the woman's absolute health.

If there are no contraindications, it makes sense to visit childbirth preparation courses, where they will tell you in detail how to behave and what to expect from such a birth. Especially if you have your first birth in the water.

In addition, you need to choose a maternity hospital where there are conditions for giving birth in the water. Water delivery in Moscow is available at the EMC Maternity Hospital on Pravdy St. We do not recommend giving birth in the bathroom at home. However, if you do decide to do this, consider the possibility of an ambulance on duty near the house. During childbirth, unforeseen situations may arise when the life and health of the mother and child may depend on the speed of providing qualified medical care. Treat childbirth responsibly!

How does childbirth go in the water?

If a woman decides to give birth in the water in the hospital, she most often spends all periods of labor in the bathroom. Water makes it easier to endure contractions. However, if desired, a woman can walk around the maternity ward, sit on a fitball, etc. If a woman is in the bathtub all the time, then the water is periodically changed to keep it clean. After the baby is born, it is placed on its stomach, then pulled out of the water and the umbilical cord is cut after it stops pulsating. An experienced doctor or midwife knows exactly when to get the baby out of the water so that the water does not enter his lungs.

Advantages of giving birth in water

Water helps to tolerate pain more easily, promotes relaxation of the muscles of the whole body, and has a calming effect.
It is believed that a newborn experiences less stress when being born into the water.

Disadvantages of childbirth in water

Childbirth is not the cleanest process. The water in which the woman is located contains amniotic fluid, blood discharge, and bowel movements. And a baby is born in the same water.
There is a risk of infection due to the lack of sterility.
When a woman is in the water, there is no constant monitoring of the condition of the fetus (CTG), it can be difficult to quickly identify the bleeding that has begun, as well as monitor the condition of the cervix.
There is a risk of aspiration (water entering the lungs) of the newborn. Some babies inhale immediately after birth, until they are taken out of the water.

When is giving birth in water impossible?

For any complications of pregnancy, such as gestosis, fetal hypoxia, pelvic presentation of the fetus, clinically narrow pelvis and large fetus, placenta previa, diseases of the mother's cardiovascular system and other complications that the doctor will tell you about.

Water birth at the EMC maternity hospital

The EMC maternity hospital has created conditions for any kind of birth. The maternity ward has a comfortable tub for giving birth in water or facilitating contractions in the first period.

Before giving birth, the doctor, together with the expectant mother, draws up a birth plan that takes into account all the wishes of the woman. If there are contraindications for a particular method of delivery, the doctor tells you in detail about all the risks and ways to prevent them. If a woman is aware of all the disadvantages and risks, and there are no medical contraindications, the doctor can deliver the baby in water. The contract price will not change from this. In case of an unforeseen situation and danger to the mother and fetus, doctors can immediately change tactics, and even perform a cesarean section operation directly in the delivery box – there is all the necessary equipment for this.

Was this information helpful?

Questions and answers

Dermoid cyst and pregnancy

An ultrasound revealed a mass in my left ovary during the first pregnancy. I was told that it is a dermoid cyst. Five years have passed since then. I gave birth to a second child. An ultrasound was performed annually. There were differences in size, but not significant. Since I’m going to have the 3rd child, another

ultrasound was done today. The doctor said that the cyst had increased. I am concerned about it. Don't know where to start. What tests are needed? Thank you.

...more

Surgical treatment is strictly indicated in your case given the long history of the mass in the ovary and its rapid growth in recent times. In our clinic, we perform such an intervention laparoscopically through 3 small punctures. Patients go home next morning after the surgery and may return to work after 3 days.

This surgery must be as delicate to preserve healthy ovarian tissue (considering your reproductive plans) as radical at the same time to remove the mass together with the capsule. At the preoperative stage an expert level ultrasound with Doppler is required, as well as blood tests for Ca-125 and НЕ-4 tumor markers. The decision concerning the necessity of FEGDS and colonoscopy is taken based on the results of these tests.

...more

Total knee replacement

My mom suffers from gonarthrosis for the past three years. Despite treatment by injections the pain is still present. MRI revealed a meniscal tear in the posterior horn, the presence of small bony osteophytes on the patella, a small amount of fluid in the joint cavity (signs of exudative synovitis were detected)

joint space is asymmetrically narrowed in the medial segment. The pain is ongoing but the knee remains flexible. Tell me, please, whether the surgery is contraindicated for meniscal tear in case of arthrosis? Is it possible to do an arthroscopic surgery on the meniscus in our case or it should be «major» surgery? And what would you advice concerning knee replacement for the patient in the age of 57? What is the life time of the artificial joint?

...more

It is necessary to make an X-ray of the knee in direct projection in standing position. If it turns out that there is no medial cartilage in the medial area, then the knee replacement is the only solution. The age of 57 is normal for the prosthetics. Modern artificial knee joint (when properly placed of course) will

serve for a lifetime. You can make an appointment via phone +7 (495) 933-66-44.

...more

Kardanov Andrey

07 September 2016

Pain

I am 19 years old, professionally engaged in weightlifting. I did an arthroscopy of both knee joint a year ago, now feel pain in them and it prevents me from training at full capacity. I visited a traumatologist, and «osteoarthritis of 1 degree» was diagnosed. Could you advise me some medicines or anything else to

relief the pain? Thank you very much for the answer!

...more

First of all you should undergo an MRI and find out what was done at arthroscopy; if it’s really an arthrosis of 1 degree, hyaluronic acid injections are possible and physiotherapy is not required. Anyway, you are always welcome to consultation for thorough examination.

Question to Dr. Yakobashvili

Tell me, please, at which age child's hearing should be checked-up if we were informed at the hospital before discharge that one ear does not hear. At the moment the child’s age is 1.5 months. Thank you.

These tests done in the hospital are often false negative. Hearing can be tested now, it is necessary to make an appointment to the audiologist.

Cought

A child of 11 years old, suffers from cough for more than six months. The cough is dry, sometimes attack-like, mainly begins during the day, and often occurs before sleep. There is no cough at night. CBC is normal, glucose is 4.16, total IgE 111.80, Toxocara, Ascaride are negative, Cytomegalovirus, Mycoplasma are

negative, PPD test is negative as well. A chest x-ray is normal. We have already consulted with a therapist, otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist... the cough is still present. What should we do?

...more

First of all, there are no results of whooping cough testing among the results provided above. The disease cannot be ruled out, even if your child was vaccinated. The blood test for antibodies against the whooping cough germ is required (blood test for class M and G antibodies against Bordetella pertussis). Second,

even a slight increase in class E antibodies is a reason to visit an allergist and to perform an evaluation of respiratory function with bronchodilator. This method will detect a latent bronchial spasm in your child. Even if the results of the test will be normal, allergologist mast rule out the allergic nature of the cough even if it's not obstructive syndrome. Third, this cough can be due to gastroesophageal reflux. It is difficult to draw any conclusions having no data of gastroenterologist’s consultation. 24-hour acidity monitoring of the stomach and esophagus is carried out to confirm or exclude the presence of reflux. Fourth, you didn’t mention whether x-ray of nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses was done. Perhaps, after all, the pathology is associated with ENT organs.

...more

Get a consultation

Timely consultation to prevent negative consequences for your health

+7 499 490-93-90 Go to WhatsApp

The leading European multidisciplinary clinic

We work at the level of the best international standards, introducing and developing advanced treatment methods

600

world-renowned
doctors

treatment
options

years taking care
of your health

24/7

we work
at any
convenient time

ICI INTERNATIONAL QUALITY CERTIFICATES ISSUING SERVICES LLC

International accreditation

Joint Commission International

International accreditation 2018, 2021

Luxury Lifestyle Awards

Best International Private Group of Companies (hospitals) in the Luxury category

International Hospital Federation

Member of the International Hospital Federation

IV All-Russian rating of radiation diagnostics departments

Four-time winner

Reviews

Anonymous, City: -

I reiterate my gratitud

I reiterate my gratitud for the kindness and excelent professional services of Dr. Oxana Levkina and her team.

Doctor: Oksana Levkina

17 May 2025

Anonymous, City: -

I feel much better now

Thank you so much for all doctors , nurses, helpers for helping me when i got hospitalized 3 weeks ago. I feel much better now.

Anonymous, City: -

Thanks to Dr. Oxana Levkina

Thanks to Dr. Oxana Levkina and her teams. Excellent as always.

Clinic: Ophthalmology Clinic

Doctor: Oksana Levkina

28 April 2025

Mirza petrus Auraha, City: -

Many thanks to all medical staff and especially Dr. Alexey Afanasyev

Many thanks to all medical staff and especially Dr. Alexey Afanasyev for the professional treatment. This was my second visit, in 2015 I had a successful knee surgery done in ECSTO. Thank you and best regards, Mirza Petrus Auraha

Doctor: Afanasiev Aleksey

23 April 2025

Patricia, City: -

Excellent care

I am very grateful to Evgeniya Kondrashova for her excellent care while I was a patient in the hospital.Throughout my stay she monitored and cared for me with noteworthy professionalism and was readily available if I had questions or needed reassurance.

Clinic: Cardiovascular Diseases Clinic

Doctor: Kondrashova Evgeniya

7 April 2025

Patricia Johnston, City: -

Highly recommended

I recently had a cardioverter defibrillator implanted by EMC surgeon-arrythmologist Dr Oleg Evgenievich Sukhorukov. I spent five days in the hospital and I cannot praise this wonderful Doctor enough for the skill, care and attention he provided. I can confidently recommend him and

the excellent team of cardiologists. They are thoroughly professional, immensely skilled and dedicated to producing the best outcome for their patients.

... more

Clinic: Cardiovascular Diseases Clinic

Doctor: Suchorukov Oleg

6 April 2025

Аnonymous, City: -

Thanks very much to Dr. Oxana Levkina

Thanks very much to Dr. Oxana Levkina. As always professional and human.

Clinic: Dental Clinic

Doctor: Oksana Levkina

26 March 2025

Anonymous user Name, City: -

I wish you all good health and professional success

Many thanks to the doctors Moskalets E. R. and Penkova O. V., who described my pictures on the day of the study, as well as to the staff of the PET CT department Nikolay, nurse Ekaterina, laboratory assistants Eduard and Nikolay, who were with me from the beginning and until the

end of the study, we worked in a coordinated, professional and friendly manner.

... more

Clinic: Institute of Oncology

Doctor: Elina Moskalets

26 March 2025

Аnonymous, City: -

My child was in the very best hands

From the cloakroom attendant to the doctors— we felt warmly welcome. We had a close supervision by the assistants. And the doctors took plenty of time for the patient and examined utmost empathetic.

A.V., City: -

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Alexey Vasilyevich Kovalenko

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Alexey Vasilyevich Kovalenko for his high professionalism, high efficiency and sensitive attitude to patients. The doctor performed the most difficult operation for me, and at all stages of preoperative preparation During my

postoperative rehabilitation, I felt his professional and emotional support.I very much hope that the EMC management appreciates such highly professional specialists as A. V. Kovalenko, and my highly positive feedback on his work will be taken into account when determining his KPIs.

... more

Clinic: Urology Clinic

Doctor: Aleksey Kovalenko

19 March 2025

Konstantin Vladimirovich, City: -

I express my gratitude for the treatment!

He came back with severe pain in the neck. The diagnosis revealed an intervertebral hernia. The very next day, the operation was carried out, everything was very fast. After the operation, he was surrounded by nurses. I would especially like to express my gratitude to:

Krivoshapkin Alexey Leonidovich, Yulia Markina, Vladimir Klimov, Orkhan Abdullayev, Gleb Sergeevich Sergeev, and Alexander Loginov.

... more

Clinic: Institute of Oncology , Neurosurgery Clinic

Doctor: Krivoshapkin Alexey

16 March 2025

Anonymous, City: -

Thanks to Dr. N. Samokhina

All consultations and prescribed treatment are always positive.

Clinic: Ophthalmology Clinic

Doctor: Samokhina Nadejda

15 March 2025

Аnonymous, City: -

Thanks to dr. Oxana Lepkkina

Her colleagues and her teams. As always, perfect.

Doctor: Oksana Levkina

10 March 2025

Vladimir Georgievich, City: -

Many thanks to Dr. Samokhina Nadezhda Ildarovna!

She is the most reliable ambulance for our family, which has helped out in critical situations more than once. At the same time, Nadezhda Ildarovna is distinguished by her great friendliness and ability to calm the patient and not get depressed.

Clinic: Ophthalmology Clinic

Doctor: Samokhina Nadejda

10 March 2025

Anonymous user Name, City: -

We thank all the staff of the clinic for saving our lives

We thank Alexey Leonidovich Krivoshapkin, Alexey Sergeevich Gaitan, Orkhan Abdullayev and all the clinic staff for saving our lives.

Clinic: Institute of Oncology , Neurosurgery Clinic

Doctor: Krivoshapkin Alexey

7 March 2025

Shavrina E. G., City: -

Thanks to Dr. Makarov V. K.

I express my gratitude to Dr. Makarov V. K.

Clinic: Ophthalmology Clinic

Doctor: Viktor Makarov

6 March 2025

PK, City: -

Thanks

Everyone was very kind and helpful, thanks.

Anonymous user Name, City: -

Endless gratitude

Endless thanks to my dear Dr. Pavel Koposov.

Clinic: Institute of Oncology

Doctor: Pavel Koposov

4 March 2025

Vladimi, City: Tyumen

Gratitude

Alexey Kovalenko is a sensitive, attentive doctor, a surgeon from God. He gave me an operation to remove the affected prostate, all very carefully. I am grateful to him!!!

Clinic: Urology Clinic

Doctor: Aleksey Kovalenko

26 February 2025

Charles and Diana, City: Tiburon, California

Huge thank you to Dr. Marina & team to help us deliver our first born!

Dr. Marina Sharova = A+++++! Highlights => super knowledgeable! Confident! Professional! Mother-type! Truly terrific bedside manner! Spends endless time with moms! A wonderful choice for all, especially first time moms and foreigners who only speak English! Special thank you to

midwife Svetlana Kirsanova and anesthesiologist Vladislav Stanivlavovich! Great team! Great work!

... more

Clinic: EMC Maternity Hospital

Doctor: Sharova Marina

24 February 2025