Did you know that studies have shown that water𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 is associated with improved outcomes for both mother & 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦? Water𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 was first reported in an 1805 medical journal & became more popular in the 1980s & 1990s.

Water immersion during labour & 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 can help with pain relief & increase relaxation, & studies have shown that it can help to shorten the length of labour.

When compared to land 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, water 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 also promotes less chance of postpartum haemorrhage & 3rd or 4th degree tearing.

Until the 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, your 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 is surrounded by fluid & receives all of their oxygen through the umbilical cord, via the placenta. Babies have an inbuilt physiological reflex, that prevents them from taking a breath until they’re out in the open air. When their facial skin receptors come into contact with air, their first breath will begin.

Advocates of water 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡s highlight many benefits. It provides non-medicinal pain relief, may reduce blood pressure, promotes relaxation and helps the mother feel more in control during 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 and labor. Water makes it easier to get into different positions because the buoyancy relieves some of the extra pregnancy weight, and this movement can help the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 to work its way down the 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 canal.

If you’ve ever wondered what a water 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 looks like, these powerful images speak for themselves.