6 july:Expecting mothers here is a good news for you. Medical experts say a new and scientific way of giving birth while in water can reduce labour pain and help insmooth delivery.
Labelled as "water birth" the process entails giving birth in a tub of warm water, which helps ease labour pain at least by 80 per cent.While some women choose to labour in the water and get out for delivery, others decide to stay in water for the delivery as well.
The theory behind water birth is that the baby has been in the amniotic sac for nine months and being born into a similar environment is gentler for the infant and less stressful for the mother.
"Water birth is ideal for those who fear labour pain," Dr Urvashi Sehgal, senior gynaecologist at Phoenix Hospital, New Delhi, said. "If done properly, water birthing is very safe. However, constant monitoring needed to be done," she added.
Water has therapeutic qualities and has a smoothening effect on the body, which in-turn reduces pain and stress hormones, Sehgal said, adding that the labour progresses well in water and contractions are also easier.
Water birthing is ideal for women who suffer from joint or back problems. However, the water in the tub should be clean and certain guidelines should be followed while the birthing was taking place, she said. Courtsey : DD NEWS