Laboring in the water is far more accessible to mothers than a complete water birth, as most hospitals have not prepared the rooms or trained their staff for water birth. Many hospitals provide large bathtubs in the labor and delivery rooms for laboring in water. Sometimes only a shower is available, which is also a great tool.

The most important thing to know when planning to use water for pain relief during labor: If you agree to an induction, you will need to be on the monitor continuously. Therefore, with an induction, you lose the option of laboring in the water.

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