Hot bath/shower and labor?

Question

I keep seeing people saying to take a hot bath or shower to help move labor along. What does it do/how does it work? And which is better, the bath or the shower? Thanks!

Answer 1

If you are not in active labor a hot shower/bath can actually slow contractions. It's a good way to know if it's a false alarm or the real thing, if real labor has started then it will not stop. Water is mostly used for relaxation and pain relief which can help move labor along. Do which ever feels best for you at the the time. For me a bath was good. If you are planning on going without pain meds I would make sure a bath tub is available where you can comfortably turn to your hands and knees but still have your belly in the water. It needs to be fairly deep, a kids blow up pool works well.

What Julian said about not being able to use a tub after your water breaks isn't always true. My water broke prior to labor while I was in the tub shaving my legs. I was able to use the tub at the hospital as well with no objections.

Answer 2

The Labor and Delivery Nurse when I went to my hospital tour said, when your water breaks you are NOT ALLOWED to take baths, ONLY SHOWERS. And to take as many as make you comfortable, as far as bringing labor on I dont think it may work. Also you should not be taking HOT baths, it raises your temperature therefore raising the babies as well.

Try having s*x, nipple stimulation, there are plenty of things that people have tried that may work.

Answer 3

Warm water helps you to relax, it relieves tension in all your muscle groups, and therefore the uterus is able to contract and cause cervical dilation more efficiently in some cases - but not all. It's not necessarily about speeding up labor, it's definitely mostly about maintaining comfort.

Answer 4

You can't get into the tub/shower until you are far enough into labor or contractions will stop. What it does is ease the pain. Either one will work, its your preference.