Medline ® Abstract for Reference 104

The basic response to any sort of immersion is a redistribution of blood volume. The intrathoracic blood volume expansion is associated with an increased release of the Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and an alteration of the activity of the posterior pituitary gland. Whereas the effects of ANP on vasopressin secretion have been studied extensively, there is little study of its effects on oxytocic release. This is one reason why a dialogue is needed between midwives and specialized physiologists regarding the relationship between water immersion and the physiology of labor.