Water can reduce the need for drugs to artificially stimulate labor. Often, simply getting into the tub will result in dramatic and rapid progress to full dilation within an hour or two. Lowering of blood pressure. When anxiety is causing high blood pressure, immersion in water often helps lower it. Change of consciousness.
Immersion helps relieve anxiety and promotes relaxation.
Water helps a woman to let go and focus inward as labor strengthens. Moisture in the air makes it easier to breathe and can be helpful to women with asthma. Facilitates the second stage of labor. Many mothers are less inhibited in the water. The warm water softens the vagina, vulva, and perineum, leading to fewer injuries to these tissues.