WHAT IS THE CONCERN REGARDING WATER EMBOLISM?
This is a theoretical risk of introducing water into the uterus as the placenta is delivered, in theory allowing water to enter the mother s bloodstream through the blood vessels at the placental site. Back in 1993 Michel Odent raised the question of water entering the vagina and uterine cavity if the placenta is delivered while the woman was still in the water. Since that time many water births have occurred and many placentae have been born into water, without any incidence of water embolism. In reality, immediately after birth, the vaginal walls touch one another, even if there was a tear so that the vagina is a potential cavity rather than an actual one. So it is extremely unlikely to happen.HOW DOES THE BABY BREATHE? It is commonly believed that the stimulus to breathe is from the baby s face coming into direct contact with the cool air and this only occurs when the baby is brought to the surface of the water. This is one of the main concerns that I hear Midwives and parents expre
