Water in Labor
Water in labor is generally a game-changer. Physically, water can reduce tension and stress in the soft tissues like muscle and tendons, especially around the pelvis. Emotionally, using warm water generally reduces stress and feels comfortable for many laborers. The gentle water movements around your body can be very soothing and calm.
Water can help a person find their rhythm in labor- which just means that for some, finding repetition like movement, counting, breathing, etc can be a helpful coping mechanism as labor starts and advances.
If you follow any of my social media (IG or FB) you’ll know that staying relaxed and calm is crucial to laboring well. Relaxation comes in many flavors and sizes for people- no one is alike. No one way is “the perfect way”. When we use water, warm water especially, we generally create an environment of calm, safe and warm!
How warm can the water be/what temperature?
Generally we aim for about 98-99 degrees (no higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature range will feel warm to your body, but not overheat you in the laboring process.
What are the Benefits?
Being in the warm water during labor is thought to allow the body to produce endorphins, which is its own way of pain relief. Endorphins are the “feel good” hormones our body naturally produces. So given positive environments, endorphins thrive. Water helps us feel weightless which supports freedom of movement and its often easier to do so! And overall- because there are such positive effects in labor, there is data to show that some experience “less” pain and often have a shorter labor.
What Risks are associated with using water for labor?
There aren’t too many risks really. There isnt data to show that it increases risk of infection more so than “land” (out of water) labors. We usually just suggest to do regular cleaning for the tub you are using. Showers are also an option for comfort!
I can’t/don’t want to use a bath- what else can I do?
A warm shower is an amazing feeling during labor. If you have a moveable shower head, even better to put the water pressure on your back or sides of belly to help with comfort during contractions. Submerging your feet and legs in a warm bucket of water. This can still be relaxing for many and be a great calming tool. Using warm, wet washcloths on face, arms, back and legs can be effective at supporting relaxation and keeping tension from rising. There are many options to try!
If you are birthing at home- water is generally an option that can be used as you feel the need for it. If you are having a hospital birth, that may limit the amount of water options one may have. I often suggest the following to maximize the calming power of water:
- While home, use the bath to help calm an “irritable uterus” or prodomal labor (contractions that are stronger and longer in intensity but do not lead to active labor; often they start and stop for a few hours in the evening and subside once asleep). That being said, in some labors, the effect of water is TOO calming and can slow contractions down. If that should happen, it might be recommended to try some other dry, calming techniques. A shower may not have the same effect as a bath, so that might be an option too if labor has slowed from this process.
- To use the shower: put a thick towel or bath mat on the floor to sit on or do hands and knees positions. You can also put your birth ball on top of the towel (for needed stability along with a support person in the room) and rock back and forth. #Doulatip: Point the shower head directly to the top of the belly or the fleshy part of your back/bottom. Ahhhh- relief!!
- Have your favorite labor items nearby: Big cup of ice water, Cool washcloths, fruit to nibble on, battery-powered fan, tennis balls or comb for acupressure relief.
- Dim the lights. Run a diffuser. Play your favorite music, podcast or affirmation list. Make the room yours!
- The last #Doulatip: that I have is to have lots of fluffy towels for when you are finished. The number one reason I see my clients refusing to use water is they don’t want to be cold afterwards! And that makes a lot of sense, so having some strategies in place before stepping in the water will help it be and stay relaxing and calm.
Happy Laboring!!!!
Be well!
