Yes,it has been shown that in healthy fetuses,it is safe,the transient passage from the womb to the outside world is less traumatic,more peaceful than land births.

Not all women are eligible.

If you have a medical condition like high blood pressure and diabetes,you will require constant monitoring of your vital signs like blood pressure,which may not be feasible under water.

If you cannot get in and around the pool on your own,are not comfortable with water,then you will be excluded.

A mother with a big baby may be allowed to labour in water but asked to leave the pool to deliver on land,due to the risk of shoulder dystocia.

If during labour,liquor is meconium is stained.

Yes,water will give you pain relief and you can leave the pool to deliver on land when you are ready to push.

Yes,you can fill the tub with warm water and see for yourself how “light”you will feel,the comfort and ease of movement it provides.

Not if the pool is thouroughly cleansed with hypochlorite solution after each use.

Of course.

Yes,if the power is reliable and the road traffic is such that you can be shifted to the hospital quickly if the need arises.

Yes,you can,a long T Shirt.

Yes,if your pushing stage is more than an hour,and the baby is unlikely to deliver in the next few minutes,you will be asked to leave the pool.

You may be asked to leave the pool if the baby’s heart rate is not reassuring,if you are taking too long to dilate,if your contractions are wearing off,if you need stronger pain relief.

Anyone competent to receive and resuscitate a newborn where born on land or under water is necessary,midwives do this in other countries,we always have a experienced doctor present at all births.

A:In the Western world,midwives cater to low risk women, their belief that labour is a natural process,masterly inactivity,minimal intervention when labour is progressing well,one is to one care,that water birth has gained popularity. In India,in the urban setting,labour is always in an obstetrician led practice, philosophy of intervention,drug related pain relief,not always one to one support of the same nursing staff,,its an obstetrician centric approach,time consuming for the practitioner,hence not promoted.

Once laboring women are given this option,it will become popular.

Most new ideas are ridiculed,criticized and finally accepted. Women who have both labored on land and water,vouch for a very satisfying experience in water.