Imagine giving birth to your baby in a bath of warm water. This process, called water birth, is believed to reduce stress during labor and delivery, since the baby who has grown in the mother's uterus for about nine months, surrounded by amniotic fluid, will experience a transition to a somewhat similar environment. This is why some women, accompanied by their obstetricians or midwives, choose to give birth and give birth in water – to reduce the stress and complications of childbirth. What is water birth? In a water birth, a mother gives birth to her baby in a bathtub or swimming pool, which can be located in a hospital, birth center, or even at home. A woman can give birth in water and get out of the tub to give birth, or stay in the water and give birth. The midwife, nurse or doctor then takes the baby out of the bathtub. At the hospital, the mother and baby receive medical care similar to what they would receive if the birth took place in a hospital bed. A Doppler device designed to be used underwater monitors the baby's heartbeat during the process. This may or may not be done when the process takes place at home or in a birth center. Intravenous (IV) medications may also be given to the mother during a water birth. This should be quite comfortable, as it is easier to push the baby through water than through air. The bathtub and the water support the mother's body. Although it may be uncomfortable when you accidentally have a bowel movement during childbirth, there is no need to worry as it is easy to clean. After delivery, the baby is immediately...... middle of paper ...... the risk of complications for the mother and baby. How to prepare for a water birth First ask your doctor or midwife if facilities (special tub) for water birth are available in your area. Check if the water birth policies Hospitals allow water births, if you prefer to give birth in a hospital. If you choose to give birth at home, find out if you can rent or buy a birthing tub online. You can also check if the expenses can be covered by insurance. Contact your local birth provider who offers water birth options.SummaryWatch a video about water birth and find out if it's a good option for you and your baby. Giving birth in water has been shown to be a safe and rewarding experience, but it also carries some risks. Works Cited http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/water-birth http://www.babycentre.co. uk/a542015/whats-a-water-birth-like http://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/waterbirth.html