Can you use your bathtub for water labor, or is a birth pool better? Compare water depth, space, comfort, positioning and other important differences when preparing for a waterbirth.

Wondering how to position yourself in a birth pool? Explore seven waterbirth positions that allow you to move, rest and follow your body's instincts throughout labor.

“But won’t the baby breathe underwater?” It’s one of the most common questions about waterbirth. The answer lies in the incredible way a newborn transitions from receiving oxygen through the placenta to taking that very first breath.

You don’t have to give birth underwater to benefit from a birth pool. Laboring in water and having a waterbirth are two different things—and knowing the difference gives you more options for comfort, movement, and your birth experience.

Studies show that laboring in warm water significantly reduces the need for an epidural — but how does it really stack up? We break down the benefits, the trade-offs, and everything you need to know to make the best choice for your birth