One of the most effective tools may be right in your own bathroom! Getting into a tub during labor is often one of the most beneficial ways to find pain relief, however there are specific guidelines to follow if you plan to have a waterbirth.
Using a Tub Reduces Back Pain
If the mother gets into a tub during her labor, the weight of the baby is lifted off of her back by the buoyancy of the water. Laboring mothers find that, not only is their contraction pain lessened, but so is their back pain. Adding helpful positions in the tub such as hands and knees, can further reduce the discomfort of back pain and even help to turn a posterior baby.
Laboring in Water Aids Relaxation
The soothing effects of water during labor is often compared to the relaxation of getting a narcotic, without the unwanted side effects of medication. Rather than responding to contractions with tension, mothers find that water provides a deep sense of relaxation that can will help them conserve energy.
Another benefit is that the more relaxed her body is, the more effectively her uterus can work to dilate her cervix and help her baby descend. In some cases when the mother stays more relaxed, getting into a tub may actually speed up the course of labor!.
Tubs Lessens Need for Epidurals
Immersing in a tub during labor is often so effective that research shows that fewer mothers asked for epidurals. If mothers choose to labor without an epidural or cannot have one for a variety of reasons, laboring in a tub is likely going to be a great alternative.
When taking the hospital tour, find out if your birth facility has a tub that you can use during labor.
Waterbirth or Using a Tub During Labor?
Some moms may prefer spending portions of their labor in a tub but stay out of the tub for the actual birth. Others may enjoy getting into a tub once active labor starts and then remain there in order to have a waterbirth.
If your care provider is comfortable with waterbirthing and the birth facility you are using can accomodate laboring in a tub as well as a waterbirth, the choice is yours to make unless complications occur.
Guidelines for Using a Tub During Labor
In order to use a tub safely, here are a few important guidelines to follow:
- Keep the water at no warmer than body temperature (about 98-99 degrees F).
- Do not get into a tub if your water has broken unless you have approval from your care provider.
- Save the tub for active labor, since water immersion in early labor can prolong labor.
- Get out of the tub after about 90 minutes of continuous usage.
- Deeper tubs that are made for laboring in are the most effective. These tubs can often be rented for use in a homebirth or at your birth facility.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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