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The use of hydrotherapy as labor pain management.

From: Amber Powell (amber_powell@und.nodak.edu)
Sat, 16 Feb 2002 10:46:26 -0600

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The use of hydrotherapy has become increasingly popular over the years as a cost efficient and effective method of pain management for labor. Walker and O'Brien (1999) state that relaxing in a tub has been reported to lead to more rapid than expected dilatation of the cervix. It also allows for easier rotation of transverse and posterior presentation, which may account for the fewer than expected number of instrumental and cesarean section deliveries. Risser and Murphy (2001), however point out the potential risks associated with hydrotherapy including hyperthermia, hypothermia, changes in maternal heart rate, fetal tachycardia, and unplanned underwater birth. I was also interested in the potential dangers of underwater births, to see if this should really be classified as a potential risk of hydrotherapy. According to Gilbert and Tookey (1999), the similarity in perinatal mortality and morbidity in low risk women suggests that delievery in water does not substantially increase adverse perinatal outcomes. I want to know how often hydortherapy is utilized in the clinical setting. And are the women allowed to labor and deliver in the water or is it generally hospital policy to deliver conventionally?

--
Amber Powell
Student Nurse
University of North Dakota

References
Walker, N. & O'Brien, B. (1999)The relationship between method of pain
management during labor and birth outcomes. Clinical Nursing Research,
8(2) 119-134.

Risser, N. & Murphy, M. (2001) Hydrotherapy and labor. Nurse
Practitioner, 26(8)58.

Gilbert, R. &Tookey, P. (1999) Perinatal mortality and morebidity
amoung babies delivered in water: Surveillance study and postal survey.
British Medical Journal: 319, 483-487.

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