Water temp and stalled labor? HELP

[rachie]

I'm wondering if anyone has read anything or if their midwife might know anything about water temp and it's relation to stalled labor.

I was at 6-7 cm with my last labor when I got into the water - and it was HEAVENLY and so relaxing - great for pain. But soon my labor stalled. I don't know if my cervix had swelled from the warm water there or because I got out of the water onto the birth/yoga ball and bounced - but it did and labor stopped. It closed to 2cm! My midwife used ice and an 8 hour nap - then labor started again and swelling had gone down - was checked and up to 4cm. Waited 'til I was again 7cm and got in. This time labor progressed - HOURS to get from 7-10 .

My cousin recently had a similar experience where her labor stalled once she was in the water and I think her cervix swelled as well possibly (and she didn't have a yoga ball).

So.... I'm just a bit concerned this time around and wondering if maybe the water was just a bit too warm?? I understand that relaxing too much could stall labor but to also swell my cervix - ???

Anyone have ANY ideas/advice about this or can you ask if you have a midwife who's VERY experienced with water labor and birth? I'm wondering if the temp of the water has anything to do with it?

[rachie]

Article:

I found this article:

http://birthingalternatives.com/Reso...ter%20Temp.pdf

but it still doesn't really mention the stalling of labor in water.

And I also found a quote from somewhere else:
"Enning finds that uterus clamps down rapidly after a waterbirth, especially when the water is around 86F (30C), although colder water can lead to premature separation. Conversely, if the water is too warm, the placenta can be retained for hours." (Holistic Midwifery vol. on labour and birth, p479)

[mlec]

Interesting! Taking note. Will see what my midwives think of this at my next prenatal.