Labor that's progressing slowly can be helped along if the woman is immersed in warm water, according to a study of 99 first-time moms. The women who labored in birthing pools delivered just as quickly as those who were given Pitocin, a drug used to hasten labor.

Pool users also reported less pain and had fewer epidurals: 47 percent, copmared with 66 percent of the women who received Pitocin.

Most hospitals don't have birthing pools. To rent one for use in the hospital, call Waterbirth International at 800-641-2229 or visit www.waterbirth.org.

First, however, get an O.K. from your doctor or midwife and the administrator of your hospital's obstetrics unit.

- M.J.H. from British Medical Journal