A water birth is a way of giving birth in which a person spends labor, and sometimes the birth itself, in a pool of warm water. Many people use water mainly to relax and to ease the pain of contractions.
Warm water can help a person relax, move more easily and feel contractions as less painful. ACOG notes that immersion in the first stage of labor may be linked to a shorter labor and less use of epidurals and spinal pain relief. Experiences differ, and water does not suit everyone.
Evidence on the second stage, when the baby is actually born under water, is more limited. ACOG currently advises that the birth itself take place on land, while UK maternity services offer birth pools for labor and birth in suitable cases. Discuss the options and any risks with your midwife or doctor.
Water birth is usually offered to healthy people with straightforward pregnancies at full term. It may not be suitable if there are complications, if the baby needs continuous monitoring, or after certain kinds of pain relief, such as an epidural. Birth pools are available in some hospital units, birth centers and at home births.
The pool is filled with water kept at a comfortable temperature, and the NHS says it should not go above 37.5C. The midwife checks the temperature of the mother and the baby's heartbeat regularly. The mother can leave the pool at any time, for example if labor slows or more pain relief is wanted.
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