"Studies show that labouring in water shortens labour and provides significant pain relief". (Photo: Alyona Smith Photography/Alyonasmith.com/Instagram: @alyona.smith.photography and @birth_stories_by_alyonasmith)
Whether you start your pregnancy journey by finding out as much about birthing options as you can or look into what's available to you further along the line, you may have come across the option to give birth in water.
Women who choose the option consistently report "increased pain relief, relaxation, increased self-esteem and satisfaction with birth".
Get 14 days free to read all our investigative and in-depth journalism. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.