Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Water births immensely healthful for mums and babies; here's why

Studies published between 2000 and 2021 were analysed, involving more than 150,000 women

Water births immensely healthful for mums and babies; here's why

For those mums about to deliver your baby, you’ve probably already planned how you want to bring your bundle of joy into the world. But if you’re still open to ideas – you may want to opt for a water birth.

According to new research, the increasingly popular water births have been found to result in fewer complications and fewer pain medications and interventions during and after the birth process in comparison to standard care.


Experts are of the opinion that water births provide ‘clear benefits’ for healthy mums and their newborn babies. It is also reported to provide higher levels of satisfaction for the new mum.

In a review of previous studies published by BMJ Open, it was found that water births ‘significantly reduced’ the use of epidurals and injected opioids too.

What’s more, it’s also known to reduce pain and heavy bleeding after the birthing process.

Water birth is carried out in a birthing pool which provides relaxation and pain relief. The mum can either stay in the pool for the entire birthing process and bring the newborn to the surface to breathe or exit the pool for the birth – for the newborn to emerge into the air to breathe.

For those unfamiliar with the term, experts say, water birth is just what it sounds like. It’s when part of the labour and the delivery of the baby takes place in a warm body of water, known as the birthing pool or tub.

According to information provided on HealthPartners, warm baths help one to relax. So, being immersed in a warm bath during labour provides the same relaxation benefits. This probably helps reduce the mom’s blood pressure, providing an overall calm experience.

Also, because of the water’s buoyancy, moving and repositioning during labour is easier – this, in turn, helps with easing the contractions.

Information on the NHS about using water in labour cites that being in water can help you relax and make the contractions seem less painful.

For the new study, researchers wanted to compare the extent of healthcare interventions that were needed during and after labour between the two different types of water birth and to check if the results differed between water birth and standard care not involving a birthing pool.

Studies published between 2000 and 2021 were analysed, involving more than 150,000 women.

Most of the studies were carried out in obstetric units.

A range of interventions and outcomes were included in the studies such as artificial breaking of waters, induced labour, the use of epidurals, breastfeeding, admission to intensive care etc.

Dr Ethel Burns, of Oxford Brookes University and the study’s lead author is reported to have said, “A waterbirth was as safe as standard care for healthy mums and their newborns.

“Compared with standard care, a water birth significantly reduced the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, as well as pain and heavy bleeding after the birth.”

In general, Dr Burn said that water birth benefits the mum and the newborn when used in the obstetric setting, thus, “making water immersion a low-tech intervention for improving quality and satisfaction with care.”

She adds, “It is an effective method to reduce pain in labour, without increasing risk.”

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less