Immersion in a bath of water or shower during labour provides an alternative option for pain relief and relaxation during labour. The safe use of the shower or bath can increase a woman’s sense of comfort, mobility and privacy, and may offer an opportunity for a more satisfying birth experience.
Birth in the water is not currently recommended at the Royal Women’s Hospital, although labouring in the bath or shower is encouraged.
|
Is there good evidence on the use of a bath?
|
There are a variety of opinions on the use of warm baths for relaxation and reducing pain. Studies have shown that women who use a bath during labour may experience less pain and have fewer epidurals. The use of the bath does not appear to affect either the length of the labour or the health of the baby.
|
Who can use the bath?
|
In or outside the bath, the safety of you and your baby are our main concern. You may choose to use the bath if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy of at least 37 weeks and are in strong labour.
You can use the bath at any time during your labour, however, if you are still in the early part of labour, the bath may cause the contractions to slow down or stop. If this happens, it is a good idea to consider a different form of simple pain relief such as a hot pack, shower or use upright laboring positions until labour re-establishes.
|
You should not use the bath:
|
- if you have conditions such as epilepsy or high blood pressure
|
- if either you or your baby has a need for a level of monitoring that is difficult to achieve in a bath.
|
|
Discuss the use of the bath with your midwife or doctor to determine if you have any medical needs that would prevent you from using the bath during labour.
|
Conditions for using the bath during labour
|
- You should not have any medical condition that makes use of the bath inappropriate.
|
- You can leave and re-enter the bath at any time you wish.
|
- You must agree to leave the bath if advised to do so for safety reasons.
|
- You cannot have pethidine or an epidural when using the bath.
|
|
Disclaimer
|
The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference.
We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy.
Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
|
Published August 2007
|
