The benefits of water birth are numerous and include a shorter first stage of labor, reduced need for pharmaceutical pain relief, and increased satisfaction with the birthing experience. (manzanitamidwifery.com)
Of note, prolonged first stage of labor has been associated with an increased risk of chorioamnionitis in the studies listed, but whether this relationship is causal is unclear (ie, evolving chorioamnionitis may predispose to longer labors). (acog.org)
Some of the astonishing statistics include, a 50 % reduction in use of pain medication, about a 30 % faster than average first stage of labor, and a significant reduction in the use of an epidural, forceps, vacuum extraction, an episiotomy, and likelihood of a surgical birth. (thenurturingrootohio.com)