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Presently, there are several companies in many parts of the world which offer pool rental services. The "birthing" pools are purpose-built and a spacious room in the house can be converted into a temporary delivery room.

The advantage of these pools is that they are usually quite spacious and there is an inbuilt thermostatic control of water temperature, which allows for a constant ideal temperature level. As long as it is affordable to the prospective parents, this would be the ideal option compared to the ‘DIY’ one described above.

Home Birth as a broader subject is discussed in greater detail in this section:

Benefits of labor in water

The main claimed benefit is the soothing and relaxing effect of the warm water, which in turn reduces the sensation of pain.

Secondly, since the atmosphere is decidedly non-medical, this may engender a positive experience of the whole labor and delivery process.

It is claimed that, by being in warm water for such a prolonged period, the perineal and vaginal tissue become so supple that trauma (both in the form of a need for episiotomy and accidental tears) is reduced. It has to be said that there is no conclusive evidence to support this particular claim.

Benefits of water birth to the baby

There is no verifiable evidence that this birth method benefits the baby particularly.

It is true that no painkilling drugs are given to mothers who are laboring in water. This means that these babies are born free of any potential side-effects of these drugs (mostly sedation). However, this cannot be claimed to be an exclusive benefit of water birth, since there are many women who labor the traditional way and opt not to have any of these drugs.

The assertion that delivery under water allows for a smoother entry into the world appears plausible but it is difficult to assess, let alone quantify the purported advantage.

When laboring in water is contra-indicated

There are several situations where water birth is not advised. The most important are as follows:

Ø Presence of a major medical condition such as kidney failure, heart disease, diabetes or hypertension

Ø Premature labor

Ø Placenta praevia or any other significant vaginal bleeding prior to labor

Ø Abnormal fetal position - such as transverse or oblique lie - which may make successful vaginal delivery improbable.

Ø Lack of or inadequate facilities or absence of an experienced professional (midwife) to monitor the labor or conduct the delivery.

Reasons why women laboring in water abandon the pool

The most common reasons for abandoning a planned water birth are:

Ø Prolonged labor

Ø Maternal distress usually because of pain

Ø Fetal distress

Ø Maternal request.

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