Can water, shower and bath help with managing the pain?

Warm water is very helpful in providing comfort to most laboring women because water is a great device for reducing pains caused by contractions. It can be in the form of a shower, whirlpool bath or in a bathtub. The warmth and buoyancy of the water is calming because of the massaging effect. Buoyancy helps relieve pressure on the pelvis and this in turn brings down the overall pain. Some hospitals have the whirlpool facility. If you don't have an access to this you can also manage with a shower. With a shower make sure you are in a comfortable position (sitting or standing) and aim the shower head to where you need it most. In a tub lean back and relax against bath towels with the water covering the bump to be effective. Apart from acting as a pain relief the effect of water is good for lowering elevated blood pressure, reduce the length of labor and lower the risk of tearing.