The
wonders of water
Research suggests that first time mothers who immerse themselves in water
during the first stage of labour can reduce the need for an epidural. The findings
could add pressure to maternity units to offer more women birthing pools during
labour.
The study was carried out by Dr Elizabeth Cluett at the University of Southampton's School of Nursing and Midwifery, set out to test the theory that labouring in water can relieve pain and anxiety, reducing the need for interventions to aid contractions.
The study compared two groups of first-time mums experiencing slow progress in labour. One group continued with conventional care whilst the other group were immersed in water. Of the two groups, fewer than half of the water group needed epidurals compared with nearly two thirds in the other group.
The study also showed that water births reduce the need for drugs to aid contractions (71% compared to 96%). Women in the birthing pool also reported significantly lower pain scores and higher satisfaction with freedom of movement.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Cluett said "We believe that first-time mothers tend to get very stressed, a factor which causes hormonal changes and slow progress in labour".
She adds that being in water can relax women in labour and significantly reduce
their pain. "We hope that our results will provide women with an option
whereby they can give birth without the need for obstetric intervention."
Before the trial, it has been assumed that the women in the water would undergo
longer labours and need more assistance. However, 20% of the women in the water
group did not require any intervention and there was no evidence of longer labour.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) hopes that this research will persuade
hospital managers to end the 'variable and patchy' availability of birthing
pools across the UK.
Mary Newland, head of policy research at NTC, said "A lot of maternity
units either have a pool they don't use or they are allocated on a first come,
first served basis. There is certainly not a sufficient number to meet demand."
She goes on to say that there is very good evidence that all women should have
access to a birthing pool. "Given the cost, to the women and the Health
Service, of birth interventions that can be avoided when water is used, it makes
sense for every unit to offer this option."
It has long been recognised that many women are instinctively attracted to water when in labour. It was because of this that doctors in a French state hospital introduced the first 'birthing pool' back in the 1970s.
The first birthing pool was a blue inflatable garden paddling pool. Its effects on pain relief was noticed almost immediately. Most women enjoyed the pool as labour progressed, getting out for the actual birth itself.
The first birth actually in the pool happened by total accident when one mother did not have time to get out of the pool. It was discovered that a newborn human baby has powerful diving reflexes and is perfectly adapted to immersion.
Birthing pools have come a long way since then! See the latest babyworld
shop for a fantastic birth pool which can double as a paddling pool once
baby has arrived!
Clodagh Foelster
- Find out more about birthing pools in our Water births section
- Read about Sheila Kitzinger's water birth
- Talk about your birth plans with other mums-to-be in the Labour and birth discussion forum
- For more advice on birth issues, visit the Birth channel
- Get any worries off your chest in the Labour and birth chatroom
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