Obstetrics 21
Checklist
J ^ j Water birth is becoming increasingly popular and more and more ; hospitals are making this option available to women. However, it is important for women to be aware that there are potential problems | as well as benefits before opting for a water birth.
| g | Tfie main benefit of a water birth is that it makes labour more [ comfortable. It is easier for the woman to move around, which gives
her a feeling of control and therefore makes her feel more relaxed ! and less anxious.The reduced pain of water birth also lowers anxiety.
For this reason, being in water lowers the blood pressure, which
avoids a range of complications.
| Q jiOn the negative side, it is difficult to monitor the woman accurately during a water birth, so it is not suitable for high-risk pregnancies. Also, it is easier for waterbome pathogens to be transferred from mother to baby - or to medical staff. In addition to this, although being in jwater reduces the mother's pain, it can also weaken the contractions. Another drawback is the risk of hypothermia unless water temperature is carefully monitored. Finally, the risk of heavy biood loss is increased in water as bleeding is difficult to measure underwater.
| [j | Despite these disadvantages, both patients and medical staff are very ! positive about water birth and many women opt to do it again for subsequent children.With more training and facilities, the limitations of water birth could be reduced.
2 Connectors are used to join ideas together. Write the bold words and phrases in the essay under the three headings.
Assess your progress in this unit. Tick (/) the statements which are true.
I can describe the processes of pregnancy and birth
I can give advice using a range of verbs and expressions
I can describe the signs and symptoms of pregnancy and labour
I can write an essay about advantages and disadvantages
Key words
Pregnancy
amniotic fluid
embryo
foetus
miscarriage
placenta
Labour
contractions dilated rupture waters
Birth
birth plan
breech
Caesarean
epidural
induce
presentation
Look back through this unit. Find five more words or expressions that you think are useful.
ADD	CONTRAST	REASON
fVi addition.		kWcvc (ore.
3 Write an essay of 200-250 words with the title The advantages and disadvantages of home birth. Before you begin, brainstorm ideas with a partner. Write the essay in four sections, as in the example.
A Introduction C Disadvantages
B Advantages D Conclusion