positions to what makes you feel comfortable.
Women usually enter the tub when they are about 5-8 cm dilated. Check with your caregiver, but you should not need to worry about infection if your membranes have ruptured, as long as you are following proper hygenics.
The following are some interesting statistics about waterbirths
* The women had shorter labors.
* Cervical dilatation was more efficient- 2.5 centimeters per hour compared with 1.25 centimeters per hour for mothers who did not take advantage of water during their labors.
* The descent of the babies was twice as fast.
* The women reported less pain.
* The cesarean section rate was one-third that of traditional hospital births.
* Mothers labeled "high-risk" because of high blood pressure showed a dramatic reduction in their blood pressure within minutes of immersion in the pool.
(see end note #1)
Whether you decide to just labor in water, or have an actual waterbirth you can still take advantage of what water has to offer.
Waterbirthing can be not only a gentle way to bring your little one into the world, but as you can see, it is also a SAFE alternative. Also, remember that being educated is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself happy and healthy througout your pregnancy.
#1 Sears, William,Martha Sears,and Linda Hughey Holt. The Pregnancy Book. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1997.
About The Author
Heather Hill is the author of several natural childbirth articles. Please visit http://www.hip-chick-pregnancy-guide.com for more interesting articles
