What kind of equipment do hospitals and birth centers have for water use in labor or for birth?
Some hospitals and birthing centers have birthing rooms equipped with a Jacuzzi bathtub and shower. A woman in labor can use either one. The Jacuzzi is not very deep and is not big enough for doing a birth. Some have large portable spas available to patients who have requested this option. The spa has jets and can accommodate the laboring woman and her partner comfortably. What happens if there really is a problem? We assume that the health and safety of the laboring woman and her baby are the primary factors that influence decisions about your care. A problem for you or the baby will be handled in the same manner whether you are planning a water birth or a birth in the bed. All maternity patients have access to monitors, medication, obstetric specialists, pediatric specialists and surgical procedures as needed. Certain kinds of problems would not permit the use of the water tub. If a particular concern arises when you are already in the tub, you may be asked to move back to the bed. I
