Water immersion
Water immersion means spending part of your active labor in a warm bath or birthing pool without necessarily giving birth in the water. The buoyancy reduces the pressure on your joints and pelvis, while the warmth relaxes tense muscles and can slow the release of stress hormones, making contractions feel more manageable. Studies show water immersion in the first stage of labor reduces the need for epidurals and shortens labor duration for some women. You can enter the water once active labor is established, usually around 5 to 6 centimeters dilated. You are free to leave the pool at any time and switch to other pain relief.
What This Means for You
Understanding Water immersion is an important part of your labor journey. When preparing for birth, understanding this term helps you discuss your birth preferences with your midwife or OB-GYN and know what to expect in the delivery room.
Explore our Birth & Labour guideGood to Know
Even if your hospital does not offer water birth, some Singapore maternity wards have deep baths or hydrotherapy tubs available for labor immersion, so ask your care team about access during your antenatal visits.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/pain-relief-in-labour/
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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