Key Takeaways -
- Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective way to manage pain relief during pregnancy and labour.
- It helps to alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy, such as backaches, swelling, and fatigue.
- Studies have shown that hydrotherapy can reduce stress hormones in the body, which can improve overall well-being.
Are you expecting a baby soon? Congratulations. As you embark on this exciting journey, you may be wondering about the best ways to manage the physical and emotional challenges that come with pregnancy and labour.
One option you may want to consider is hydrotherapy, which involves using water to alleviate pain and promote relaxation.
Not only can hydrotherapy help you feel more comfortable during pregnancy, but it can also potentially shorten your labour and reduce the need for medical interventions.
In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of hydrotherapy during pregnancy and labour, different types of hydrotherapy you can try, safety precautions to keep in mind, and evidence-based research that supports its effectiveness. So, let's dive in.
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a therapy that uses water to PROMOTE relaxation, alleviates pain, and improve overall well-being.
It typically involves using WARM WATER, or steam can be applied in various ways, such as through baths, showers, or pools.
To stay safe and AVOID elevating your body temperature to dangerous heights, most specialists advise steering clear of any water temperature exceeding 37 degrees Celsius.
Hydrotherapy During Pregnancy
Hydrotherapy can be especially beneficial for pregnant women with physical and emotional changes. It's a SAFE, natural way to reduce stress, alleviate pain, increase flexibility, and help prepare the body for labour.
For example, warm water can relax the muscles of the abdomen and back, making it EASIER to move around and manage discomfort. In addition, the pressure of the water can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the feet and ankles.
Pro Tip: It is great to use in early labour to stay home longer and rest before heading off to the hospital.
Benefits Of Hydrotherapy During Pregnancy
There are many potential benefits of hydrotherapy during pregnancy. Some of the most notable include:
Reduced swelling and pain
Pregnancy can be a difficult time for many women, but hydrotherapy proves to be an INCREDIBLY effective way of combating physical symptoms [1].
With its buoyancy SUPPORTING your body weight, it significantly reduces strain on your joints and inflammation - all while providing relief from swelling and pain (helping with tired muscles).
Pro Tip: If you're experiencing swelling and pain in the legs, adding a few drops of Epsom salt to your warm whirlpool bath can help reduce the discomfort.
Improved circulation
The soothing heat of the water helps to promote blood circulation and dilate your vessels, which can significantly REDUCE SWELLING and soreness while also boosting energy levels throughout pregnancy.
Reduced stress and anxiety
The tranquil qualities of water can be incredibly serene and STRESS-FREE, allowing you to let go of any anxiousness or worries. Research has even shown hydrotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety [2].
Pro Tip: Listening to calming music during hydrotherapy sessions can help you relax even more.
Improved sleep
The relaxing effects of hydrotherapy can help you get a better night's sleep. The warmth and buoyancy of the water allow your body to become more RELAXED, resulting in deeper, more restful sleep.
Types Of Hydrotherapy During Pregnancy
There is a variety of hydrotherapy you can use to alleviate DISCOMFORT and promote relaxation during pregnancy. Here are a few examples:
- Swimming
- Hydrotherapy pools
- Whirlpool bathtubs
- Showers
Hydrotherapy During Labour
Hydrotherapy can also be a helpful tool during labour. It has been shown to help reduce pain, anxiety, and tension and can promote relaxation, which can HELP the labour process to progress more smoothly.
Hydrotherapy can also potentially SHORTEN labour and reduce the need for medical interventions such as epidurals or c-sections [3]. There are several ways to use hydrotherapy during labour, including water births, labouring in a birthing pool, or taking showers.
However, it's IMPORTANT to note that hydrotherapy during labour may not be appropriate for everyone, and it's important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine if it's safe for you and your baby.
Benefits Of Hydrotherapy During Labour
The potential benefits of hydrotherapy during labour will depend on the INDIVIDUAL, but in general, it can help with the following:
Reduced Pain
Hydrotherapy can be an effective tool in diminishing the POWER and length of contractions as it helps to alleviate pressure off your lower back while soothing muscle tension.
Additionally, due to its buoyancy properties, water therapy will support your BODY WEIGHT with ease - allowing you to manoeuvre through discomfort more comfortably and conveniently.
Reduced Stress
Submerging yourself in the SOOTHING waters can help alleviate stress and discomfort during labour.
The warm water can also help you relax and EASE any anxieties you may be feeling - helping the labour process to progress more smoothly and efficiently.
Reduced Anxiety
The warmth of the water can be incredibly soothing and provide a sense of SECURITY during labour. This can help to reduce any fear or anxiety you may be feeling, making it easier to stay focused on the task at hand.
Promotes Relaxation
Enjoy the sensation of weightlessness as you lounge in hot water that can help soothe your muscles, leading to a TRANQUIL and stress-free state. As an added bonus, this warm bath can even assist with speeding up labour--now that's what we call a win-win,
Shorter labour
Research has demonstrated that hydrotherapy during labour can result in shorter labour and LOWER pain levels, making it an ideal option for those who want to avoid medical interventions such as epidurals or c-sections [4].
Types Of Hydrotherapy During Labour
There are numerous ways to harness the power of hydrotherapy while in labour:
- Water birth
- Labouring in a birthing pool
- Showers
Conclusion
Hydrotherapy during pregnancy and labour is a safe and effective way to reduce pain, swelling, stress, and anxiety and promote relaxation.
While it's important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider, hydrotherapy can be a great way to provide relief during your pregnancy journey.
By taking advantage of the calming effects of water, you can experience greater comfort and peace while preparing for the arrival of your baby. So make sure to give yourself some time in the water and enjoy all the benefits of hydrotherapy.
Sources -
- Benefits of Aquatic Therapy During Pregnancy | HydroWorx. HydroWorx. Published July 7, 2017. Accessed March 1, 2023. https://www.hydroworx.com/blog/extensive-benefits-of-water-therapy-during-pregnancy/
- Shevchuk NA. Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression. Medical Hypotheses. 2008;70(5):995-1001. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2007.04.052
- Mollamahmutoglu L, Moraloglu O, Ozyer S, et al. The effects of immersion in water on labor, birth and newborn and comparison with epidural analgesia and conventional vaginal delivery. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association. 2012;2012(1):45-49. doi:https://doi.org/10.5152/jtgga.2012.03
- Cluett ER, Burns E. Immersion in water in labour and birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published online April 15, 2009. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd000111.pub3
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