Hot water has been used for therapy from as early as 2000 BC and if you are one of the more than nine million people in the UK who suffer from arthritis, you will appreciate our large line of hot tubs and spas. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to begin using hot springs or baths for therapeutic purposes, although some evidence exists to show that Phraortes, an early King of Media constructed a spa like structure circa 600 BC. The ancient Romans as well knew the benefits of warm water after a long hot tiring day of battle in the rain, they established a spa resort utilizing the hot springs at Bath in AD 43.
Today’s hot tubs are large tubs that are filled with heated water and commonly used for simple soaking, relaxation, and hydrotherapy for sore, aching joints. For the most part hot tubs are located outdoors. A trend in the 1970s was to install hot tubs in family rooms but the resulting dampness from having a large body of water contained in a basement quickly returned hot tubs to the outdoors, where they can be enjoyed year round.
A recent innovation in the field, portable hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular for the home market. These units are preassembled and sit above ground; they usually can be plugged into a simple household plug in and easily moved from place to place. Some units weight only a few hundred pounds, and have a round shape, making moving them as easy as rolling a hoop. These units are also popular because they can go with you if you’re moving unlike the larger models that weight several thousand pounds and require special electrical wiring and installation.
Larger more permanent hot tubs are found in spas and resorts around the world. Athletes of all types well know how good it feels to relax in some steaming hot water after a day of intense training. In the winter time, skiers enjoy the comfort of a hot tub after a long fun-filled day on the slopes often as snow falls around them.
Water births are becoming more and more popular but it is something that should be carefully considered after discussions with the midwife and your doctor. Home water births are high on the wish list of most Mums to be and, if agreed by all relevant parties that this is possible, there are lots of websites to help with advice and guidance as well a supplying the items you will need. The first point to note is that you do not need anyone’s permission to have a water birth but taking professional advice is always advised as this is not suitable for all births and at all times you need to be ready to change that plan should the need arise. There is not set rules for a water birth but if you have not been able to find a midwife trained in water births actually giving birth in the water might be an issue, however having our labour stages in the bath is entirely your prerogative. Check on the RCOG website for guidance as regards the water temperature required as this will vary throughout the labour and birth. There is not much equipment required and it can be easily hired from various providers but make sure of basic safety points; if you are having the birth in your bedroom is the floor strong enough to take a full pool? Make sure it is placed directly over a strong beam. If you really wish for a water birth, either in hospital or home there is no reason why you should not, but listen to the advice from the experts, be prepared to take it if it is sound and check with all relevant bodies of the safest methods; this way you should ensure a safe and successful water birth.