A new mirror device could help revolutionise water births, British researchers have revealed.
The gadget, developed by three universities, will enable midwives to monitor birth properly, developers say.
Midwives currently have to use a mirror and a torch during labour to see when a baby emerges from the mother.
The new device combines the mirror and the torch on a flexible pole.
About 48,000 women a year in the UK give birth in water.
It has been developed at Edinburgh University and at Loughborough University and Heriot-Watt University.
Dr Fiona Denison, honorary consultant in Maternal and Foetal Medicine in Edinburgh, said: "We believe that our tool addresses an unmet clinical need and will help both mothers having water births and midwives who care for them.
"This prototype has been designed by midwives, for midwives."
Local midwife Sheonagh Brook-Smith said: "It is important to try to create a relaxed and calm atmosphere when a woman is in labour. Sometimes, as a midwife you feel like you need to disrupt this to try and gain a clear view.
"My colleagues and I are excited about the prospect of an instrument that gives you a clear picture of what’s happening without interruption."
Engineer Carmen Torres, from Loughborough, added: “We hope the device will help the midwives carry out their work in more comfortable conditions, and for future mothers-to-be to benefit from this device that allows them to experience a more dignifying labour.”
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