Date	Event	Description
30 June 2011	New search has been performed	Papers from June 2011 search reviewed and data incorporated as appropriate. 1 new study included (Chaichian 2009) and 2 added to Characteristics of studies awaiting classification pending more information from the authors. Risk of bias tables generated. Text updated, although no change in overall conclusions
5 January 2009	New citation required but conclusions have not changed	Change in authorship.
20 November 2008	New search has been performed	Search updated. New trials identified, appraised and data are included Title changed to reflect focus on water immersion in labour and birth, so pregnancy removed from title, and outcomes updated accordingly Background information updated. Results and discussion sections updated but no change to overall conclusions
20 November 2008	Feedback has been incorporated	Response from authors to feedback from Wein incorporated.
29 October 2008	Amended	Converted to new review format.
25 April 2004	New search has been performed	Search updated. Five new trials are included (Eckert 2001; Eriksson 1997; Nikodem 1999; Ohlsson 2001; Taha 2000).
25 April 2004	New citation required and conclusions have changed	The inclusion of the new trials has resulted in a change in the implications for practice, which now indicates that immersion in water during the first stage of labour reduces reported maternal pain and the use of analgesia. The outcome measures have been modified to ensure clarity. Neonatal outcomes have been added to reflect current methods of wellbeing assessment Change in authorship for this update.