Concept of Water Birth and Abzan Har (Hot Sitz Bath) for Delivery

Nahida Aqeel, A. H. Farooqui, Jaleel Ahmad, Ayesha Fatema, Mohammed Ishaque, Hena kausar

Delivering in water has recently become popular, and more hospitals now offer water birth. However, water birth is still considered an alternative birthing method. Water birth refers to childbirth, usually human, that occurs in water. It is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Water temperature in the tub is maintained at or around body temperature (98° F - 100° F). Warm water is soothing, comforting and relaxing. Similarly AbzanHar (Hot Sitz bath) is a type of bath in which the patient is made to sit in warm water orjoshanda of medicines (medicated sitz bath). The hip region is immersed in water in a tub. AbzanHar (Hot Sitz bath) activates the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis by increasing blood circulation to the surface, and reduces congestion of abdominal organs and inflammation. It also helps to reduce cramps and lower back pain. Unani physicians were familiar about the use of warm water for delivery and it has been recommended by various eminent Unani physicians like Ibn-e-sina,ZakariyaRazi, Abu Al- Hasan Ali Ibn-e-Abbas, MohdKabiruddin,AkbarArzani and HkmMohd Azam khan etc . In both the techniques water birth and AbzanHar, warm water is being used to ease delivery. Though it has not been mentioned in Unani literature that delivery should also occur in water but it is clearly mentioned that when the time of delivery is near or the female is in labour pain make her sit in wamwater(AbzanHar –hot sitz bath).We cannot say that AbzanHar and water birth are same but we can definitely say that the use of warm water for delivery is in practice since ancient Unani times. Thus we can co relate the concept of water birth and AbzanHar  as in both the techniques use of  warm water is an important aspect of delivery.

Water birth AbzanHar warm water Correlation Delivery and Unani system of Medicine.