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Questions and Answer

Q. I will be delivering my 6th child in about a month. For the first time we have a jacuzzi out back. I am wondering what temperature the water should be to remain safe for me and baby during labor? I do not want to deliver in the water, just labor there.

Thank you for any help you give me.

Cindy

A. Temperature should be 92-100 degrees...whatever is to the mother's comfort...the baby is 2-3 degrees warmer inside...so you don't want to go above 100. Some books even say 101 degrees. Use your descretion, around those parameters. Let me know if I can be any more help.

Ilana Stein has been working professionally with pregnant women since 1983 as a childbirth educator, labor assistant and breastfeeding consultant. She was originally certified by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method), The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), and Doulas of North America (DONA). She teachs the ALACE Labor Assistant training workshop nationwide. She has spoken at conferences and at the New York University Graduate Program in Midwifery about labor support. She is a Positive Pregnancy and Parenting Fitness (PPPF) instructor and La Leche League Leader. She is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor at the local YMCA. She volunteers as the coordinator of the annual New York Area YM-YWCA Women’s Wellness Weekend.