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Can I drink while I am in the tub?

It is imperative the woman and her attendants drink fluids with glucose while in the birth room. Some labor tea with agave is nice, or even water infused with electrolytes. Dehydration of the mother leads to low blood volume and could possibly result in orthostatic hypotension, passing out when standing up to get out of the pool.

Is there a risk of infection for the baby?

So long as you clean the tub beforehand, use clean water, a new hot water hose and a disposable tub liner (if your tub calls for one) risk of infection is small. Because the mother and the baby share the same antibodies, there is no risk of the baby "catching" anything from the mother. Note, however, that if the water has been in the tub for more than 24 hours, change the water as a sanitary precaution.

Is there a risk of infection for the mother?

There is little known risk of infection to the mother. Water also dissipates bacteria so pathogens would more than likely be weaker in the water. Since the baby is moving downward and out of the birth canal, it does not follow logically that bacteria can travel upward and into the birth canal. A mother is more apt to get an infection from too many vaginal exams; probes, Amini-hooks or scalp hooks before laboring in water after her membranes have ruptured.

What if debris gets in the water during labor?

If birth or fecal matter enter the water, use a kitty litter scooper (available at most pet supply stores or in your tub kit) for removal.

Sipping in Labor
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Is it safe to urinate and/or have a bowel movement in the tub?

Urine is a sterile substance, so it is permissible for the laboring woman to urinate in the water. Birth attendants and partners, however, should get out of the tub and use the bathroom. It is also permissible to release a bowel movement in the water (and this may very well happen during the second or third stage of labor). Remove the fecal matter from the water with a scooper as soon as possible.

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