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Underwater birth
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|September 6, 2013
Summary
Underwater birth offers minimal maternal benefits and no infant benefits, with limited evidence on risks. More research is needed to evaluate the safety of underwater birth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Health
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Underwater birth, involving water immersion during labor and delivery, is an alternative birthing method.
- The safety and efficacy of underwater birth compared to traditional land birth remain areas of ongoing investigation.
- Professional guidelines and clinical practice vary regarding the support for underwater birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with underwater birth for both mothers and infants.
- To synthesize current research findings and professional recommendations on underwater birth practices.
- To identify gaps in the existing literature regarding the safety of underwater birth.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL) for English-language articles from 1966 to April 2013.
- Two randomized controlled trials comparing underwater birth to land birth were the primary focus, supplemented by systematic reviews and case reports.
- Data extraction included study design, participants, outcomes, and findings, with a review of professional organization guidelines.
Main Results:
- Current research, primarily from two underpowered randomized controlled trials, indicates minimal benefits of underwater birth for mothers and no benefits for infants.
- While direct evidence of harm is limited by study power, reported cases of neonatal morbidity associated with underwater birth exist.
- Professional organizations in the United States, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, do not currently support underwater birth outside of research settings.
Conclusions:
- The existing evidence suggests underwater birth provides limited advantages and necessitates further rigorous investigation into potential neonatal risks.
- Current data are insufficient to definitively establish the safety profile of underwater birth for infants.
- Until more robust evidence is available, underwater birth is not widely endorsed by major obstetric and pediatric professional bodies.
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