Water Birth in Malaysia: Financial Costs & Safety Considerations

Water birth has been gradually gaining popularity in Malaysia for those seeking natural childbirth or gentle birth techniques.

Whether you’re curious about different birthing options or wondering if water birth could be the right option for you from a financial and safety perspective, this article will give you everything you need to know about the minimum savings goal needed for a water birth in Malaysia to help you make an informed choice.

What happens during a water birth?

Water birth involves a special tub or pool of warm water designed especially for water birthing. The expectant mother enters this tub during the first stage of labour and stays immersed during the pushing and delivery phase.

The baby is born in the water and gently brought to the surface. The placenta may then be born in the water after the mother has exited the tub.

Where can you find water birth facilities in Malaysia, and what are the costs?

Currently, no government facilities offer water birth in Malaysia. Water births are only offered in a few select private hospitals under conditions regulated by the Ministry of Health.

Here’s a comparison of how much water birth costs versus other delivery methods in hospitals across Malaysia, assuming there are no other complications or medical interventions during delivery.

If you’re considering water birth as your delivery option, ensure you start your pregnancy financial planning early, as many insurance packages may not offer coverage for water birthing options.

Benefits of water birth for mummy and baby

One of the main appeals of water birth is that expectant mothers get to experience labour and delivery in a warm, soothing environment. Many mothers who opted for water birth have said this experience is worth saving up for.

Water's natural buoyancy reduces physical strain and eases labour pains, while warm water promotes relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety during childbirth. This combination of physical relief and mental calm can contribute to a more positive birthing experience that relies less on pain-relief medications, such as epidurals and narcotics.

Other possible advantages of water births include:

• Lower rates of episiotomies—a surgical cut to enlarge the vaginal opening for easier childbirth—and operative deliveries.
• A lower chance of tears in the perineum area (the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus), which leads to a quicker and more comfortable recovery for the mother.
• Possibly lower rates of 3rd or 4th-degree perineum tears, which are serious tears that require a surgical repair procedure called perineorrhaphy.
• Possibly lower rates of excessive postpartum bleeding.

Water birth is also often believed to provide a gentler transition for the baby from the womb to the outside world, but scientific research does not definitively prove this claim.

Potential savings of a water birth

Water births may cost more upfront than traditional births but can save money by reducing the risk of complications. The table below shows the extra costs of medical interventions that are more likely with standard births.

Potential disadvantages and risks of water birth

Although water birth has many benefits, like any birthing method, it comes with its own considerations and potential risks. Some disadvantages and risks of water birth include:

• A higher rate of 1st and 2nd-degree perineal tears compared to vaginal births. However, it’s important to note that vaginal births have higher risks of 3rd or 4th-degree tears, and these are more severe than 1st and 2nd-degree ones.
• Umbilical cord snap is rare (less than 0.4% chance) but possible.
• There have been several cases reported of the baby inhaling water during delivery, but most babies made a complete recovery.
• Possible increased risk of infection, particularly from unclean hospital water supplies, hoses, and tubs, or from the lack of water filters.

Like any medical procedure, expectant mothers should consult with their doctors to understand the risks of different delivery methods for their specific situation.

Regulations for water birth in Malaysia and safety considerations

In 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Health banned all water births in the country due to international research suggesting that water births did not offer significant advantages over vaginal births. However, after reviewing additional research, the Ministry lifted the ban and introduced specific National Guidelines to allow water births again.

These National Guidelines include specific regulations and conditions to protect mother and baby during a water birth. Below are the key regulations.

Mothers who are eligible for water birth include:

1. Healthy women with a normal pregnancy and no history of pregnancy complications.
2. Pregnant women carrying a single fetus (not twins or more).
3. No other risk factors of problems during labour.
4. Preferably have clear amniotic fluid.
5. Have no other issues that require constant monitoring of the baby’s heartbeat.
   
   

Mothers who are not eligible for water birth include mothers who:

1. Need pharmacological analgesic agents (pain-relieving medications).
2. Are experiencing maternal exhaustion.
3. Have poor progress in labour.
4. Have medical conditions such as hypertension, obesity, or gestational diabetes.
5. Are carrying multiple pregnancies (twins or more).
6. Are carrying large babies, a breeched baby, or other conditions that may indicate a stressed baby.
7. Have experienced a ruptured membrane prematurely.
   
   

Water birth facilities must fulfil the following criteria:

1. The facility must be able to treat any emergency that may arise during and after labour.
2. The facility must also have appropriate equipment to monitor the progress of both mother and baby during labour.

Conclusion

For expecting parents considering a water birth, it’s essential to carefully weigh the financial costs, potential savings, advantages, and potential risks of this natural approach to welcoming their little ones.

Like any other delivery method, expectant parents should conduct careful financial planning, have a savings plan, and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and positive experience for both mother and baby. Besides that, female insurance packages should also be part of the financial planning – to ensure that the mother is well protected too.

💡 The information provided above is purely for educational purposes.