So if you happen to be nearing your due date and are considering options for low pain delivery, then a water birth might just be the way to go.

Underwater Delivery?

A water birth is a conventional (vaginal) delivery in a pool or tub filled with warm water.

"A water birth reduces your labour pain by about 70% and is absolutely safe," says Dr. Sheetal Sabharwal, Gynaecologist, Tulip Women's Healthcare Centre, Mumbai.

Less Pain, More Joy

So why should you consider a water birth over a conventional form of delivery?

The answer is simple.

"Water is a cooling agent, which helps you relax physically and mentally. And this is just a peripheral view of the benefits," says Dr. Sabharwal.

According to Linda, the trauma attached to normal vaginal birth is reduced considerably, which makes the technique not only beneficial for the mother but for the child as well.

Water gives you greater comfort and mobility. It allows you freedom to move and change position to help the baby come out.

As your labour progresses, the water helps relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. It also stimulates your temperature and touch nerves, and blocks the impulses from the pain nerve.

Also, the buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation. This results in less pain for the mother and more oxygen for the baby.

Water Baby

Apart from easing your labour pains, a water birth helps you welcome your child to the world in a non-traumatic way.

In a normal vaginal delivery, when the baby comes out, she finds herself in a different environment. A baby is particularly sensitive to environment and temperature changes.

The change from a protective fluid-filled sac to a dry, airy environment can trigger shock or trauma in your child.

In a water birth the shift happens from a fluid to fluid environment. So, your baby does not experience any birth trauma.