The relaxing effect of water, with its support and warmth, can help you through labour. Many women report higher levels of birth satisfaction and decreased pain perception when various elements of warm water are involved.

Many women feel drawn to water in pregnancy, so having water included in your delivery plan is a natural extension of this. One of the main benefits of water birth can be reduction of tearing during the birth as the water softens all of the perineal tissues and provides support to the perineum as the baby’s head emerges.

SOME OTHER MAIN BENEFITS OF BEING IN WARM WATER INCLUDE:

• Reduction of pain, especially when having contractions
• Reduced use of pain medications
• Shorter first stage of labour
• Less risk of perineal trauma and serious tearing
• Increased relaxation
• Easier movement in water (compared with rolling over in a bed)
• Potentially lower risk of requiring a caesarean section

You do not have to stay in warm water through delivery, some people choose to get out of the water to birth their baby.

Are you considering a water birth?  Discuss your options with your Doula or midwife.

For more information, take a look at our Nest Active Birth courses online 

To learn more tips on childbirth preparation, visit our YouTube channel – Nest Birth & Motherhood