Thinking of giving birth under water? Read this...

Delivery under water is just what it sounds. It is the process of labour and delivery while immersed in a water tub. It is a new-age appeal, with proponents and critics alike. A number of health facilities in Kenya offer water births. You will even find birth tubs for hire, or get tempted to deliver in your own bathtub at home. But you should approach water births with caution. There are few proven scientific benefits, but multiple risks.

Available scientific data suggests benefits that include relaxation, less stress and less need for pain relief during labour. A decrease of about half an hour in the duration of labour has also been reported. It is unclear if there is a decrease in tearing of the birth canal, or indeed a decreased risk of assisted vaginal deliveries or caesarean sections. There are more queries about the benefits for the infant, and concerns for serious harm to the baby still remain.