Labor & Delivery

Eligibility

If you are healthy and have had a full-term, uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy, discuss the option of a water birth with your healthcare provider to see if it’s suitable for you.

Advantages of a Birthing Pool

Mobility: 

The buoyancy of the water allows you to move more freely, enabling you to find comfortable positions and potentially aiding labor progression.

Pain Relief:

• Immersion in water can help you relax, making contractions feel less painful.
• Water immersion during the first stage of labor is linked to shorter labor durations and reduced need for spinal and epidural analgesia.
• Warm water soothes by modulating pain perception, relaxing muscles, and easing tension.
• It also dilates blood vessels in the skin, redirecting blood flow and reducing pain sensations.

Water Birth

Due to limited data on the benefits and risks of water immersion during the actual birth, it is generally recommended that delivery occurs on land. While some women opt for water births, this method is not thoroughly studied and carries rare but serious risks for the newborn, especially if urgent maternal or fetal issues arise, necessitating a move from the tub.

Using a Shower During Labor

Incorporating water into labor offers substantial comfort and relaxation benefits. A warm bath or shower during early labor can help reduce pain and promote relaxation, whether at home or in the hospital.

Hospital Shower:

• You can shower with wireless monitoring, even if continuous monitoring is advised.
• Adopt the most comfortable position for you, whether standing, sitting, or kneeling on towels.
• Use the shower at full pressure and as hot as you prefer. Many hospital showers have two shower heads, allowing one to be directed at your back and the other at your front, focusing on areas of discomfort during contractions.

Conclusion

Water immersion during labor can offer numerous benefits, including enhanced mobility and significant pain relief, which can contribute to a more comfortable and potentially quicker labor experience. While the use of a birthing pool during labor is well-supported, the practice of water births is still under review due to limited data on its risks and benefits. Therefore, it is generally recommended to deliver on land. Showers during labor also provide substantial comfort and relaxation, whether at home or in the hospital.

If you are interested in exploring the option of water immersion during labor, I encourage you to discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure it is the best choice for you and your baby.

Message to Patients from Dr. Bushra Gul

Dear Patients,

I am dedicated to providing you with the best care and support during your labor and delivery. The use of water immersion during labor can offer significant benefits in terms of comfort and pain relief. If you are considering this option, please discuss it with your healthcare team to determine what is best for you and your baby.

Warm regards,