Water has been used for centuries as a therapeutic entity, so it's no surprise that using water to relieve labor pain is increasing in popularity. There are many ways to utilize water during labor and hydrotherapy, using water for medicinal or therapeutic benefits, is becoming more common in hospitals, birth centers and home birth situations.

Bathing or Warm Water Immersion: Many women find that a bath in the beginning of active labor (around 5 cm) helps them relax and decreases their pain levels. Even if a woman does not want to have, or cannot have, an actual water birth (delivering the baby while still in the water), many birth settings have tubs or pools for women to immerse themselves in. Bathing can be especially helpful for back labor.

Showering: A warm shower during is preferred by some women and is more readily available even in settings that do not have space for a large immersion tub. Laboring mothers find the massaging effect of the water to be very soothing and help relieve back or belly pressure during contractions.

Hot Water Packs: If for some reason a mother is unable to labor in the bath or shower - perhaps electronic monitoring is needed - she can still use moist heat to help cope with her childbirth. Hot water bottles on the back, hips or belly can be a pleasant and effective alternative. Warm, wet towel compresses have long been used to support the perineum.

Ice or Cool Water Packs: Often during the transition stage of a labor a woman may get hot flashes or feel sweaty. Cool water can be used by placing a cold, wet washcloth on the neck, forehead or belly - whatever feels comfortable to the mother. Some women find that an ice pack wrapped in a soft towel feels good placed on their back or belly as well.

Hydrotherapy has many uses for a laboring woman and this overview just highlights some potentials. If using one of these coping techniques sounds appealing to you, talk with your care provider about your wishes and do further research to make sure what you want will be available and appropriate.

Resources about Waterbirth and Water Relief During Labor: