Pros: Reduction of pressure on the abdomen. Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
Immersion reduces opposition to gravity; supports the mother's weight so that her energy can be used to cope with the contractions.
As a woman relaxes deeply in water, her hormones kick in and she starts progressing faster and with more rhythm; labor becomes more efficient. - now for this one...anyone who thinks getting into water before your at least 6 cm is most likely going to halt thier contractions as its so relaxing. But on the other hand if your in the third stage of labour and your very tense, water can actually speed the process up, as it can help to relax the 'scared' muscles. Its also good if a mother is seen to have high blood pressure during labor - warm water is a natural way of lowering blood pressure and is why they say women with hypotension shouldnt have a water birth for the fear of the blood pressure becoming dangerously low therefore not giving baby enough oxygen.Sometimes some mums panic once they are in the water -if they are ill prepared..as the feeling of claustraphobia sets in. When your at all tense during labor and birth you halt the process - your shoulder muscles are included...you have tense shoulders - your pelvic floor muscles will be tense too.
Now some birthing 'experts' claim that Immersion in water is more effective and safer than an epidural - and call a water birth an 'aquadural'
A warm moist air surrounding the mother can make it easir to breathe and if there is a mother suffering from asthma it can be of great help.
"Greater involvement of the father. Because the mother's pain and stress is so greatly reduced, it is much easier for fathers to particpate and take a more active role in the birthing process. Many men are reluctant to become involved in the birth experience when they know that the mother is likely to endure intense pain, trauma and suffering during labor and delivery." right so my DP didnt really do anything at dds birth, just sat there till I was ready to push then gave me a lil bit of encouragment and let me use his hand for leverage...he knows he wants me to go for a waterbirth next time so that the stress is taken off both of us...midwives can feel around a bit too much when your on 'dry land' ;) and in water, its not so easy ;)
A water birth allows for a quiet, relaxed transition for baby, from uterus to outside world. being used to staying in water for the past 8/9 months and then being grabbed by random hands and pulled (sometimes) into this strange environment can be scary, being born into water help the transition...and baby does not take a breathe until he/she reaches the surface - did you see how alert the water birth baby was on One born...
and lastly oh so much of a cleaner baby ;)
This is my fave site! www.homebirth.org.uk/water.htm