Why Gynecologist, Dr. Ekiniyi Destiny Ochete Is Warning Against Engaging In Water Birth In Nigeria
A Consultant Gynaecologist has cautioned Nigerians against engaging in water birth, noting that the delivery method could be risky.
According to Dr. Ekiniyi Destiny Ochete, Nigerians should think twice before engaging in water birth because the nation lacks the required equipment that may be needed to deal with peculiar emergencies that may occur during the special delivery.
Ochete, who is the Chief Consultant Gynaecologist at EEK Fertility Centre, Abuja, stressed that opting for a water birth in Nigeria is risky for both the mother and the child.
Recall that a Nigerian celebrity, Korra Obidi, recently shared some clips of her giving birth using the water birth method on her social media platform while in the United States. Some of her followers while reacting to the video said more Nigerians should embrace the delivery method.
The gynaecologist, however, warned that the delivery method should not be replicated in Nigeria because it is risky.
What is water birth?
According to Ochete, water birth is a birthing method in which the mother chooses to deliver inside a pool of warm water.
She explained that a lot of women choose to use water-assisted birth because they feel it aids them during pain as water is a soothing agent when in pain, adding that the process entails giving birth in a tub of warm water.
According to americanpregnancy.org, the theory behind water birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for nine months, birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.
According to a study published in the medical journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, the primary reason some women choose the water birth option is for pain relief, noting that, it provides a relaxing environment for the woman.
However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in a recent statement said it is not recommending birthing in water because the safety of the procedure has not been determined.
Why water birth is risky in Nigeria
Speaking further with PUNCH HealthWise, Dr. Ochete noted that there are risks involved with the water birth delivery option.
According to the fertility expert, some complications occur during delivery and require immediate attention but may be missed during a water birth leading to delayed medical intervention.
In her words,
“The reason why water birth is not advisable in Nigeria for me is that we have little or no equipment to handle emergencies in Nigeria.
“Even with the help of professionals, I think it is advisable to give birth where equipment is available so that in cases of emergency the mother can navigate through.”
Continuing, she said, that complications that can arise from water birth may not be effectively handled due to lack of access to immediate emergency intervention.
Speaking on the complications, she said,
“Sometimes we may have breach babies and if there are no experienced hands around to help through the birthing of the baby, it could cause certain severe consequences.
“A situation for episiotomy may also arise and then there are no professionals to stitch up the mother. Water births are not advisable in Nigeria and I will not advise any pregnant woman to consider it.”