Feature Article-Continuing Education Module-International Water-Birth Practices With Recommendations During a Global...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Care
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Water birth utilization has seen significant global growth over the last decade.
• This trend coincides with increased research, including prospective studies and retrospective analyses.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has raised objections in 2014 and 2016 opinion statements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the reasons behind the increasing adoption of water birth globally.
• To address objections to water birth, particularly those from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
• To review the evidence on the effects of water birth on neonates and its utility during pandemics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies published over the past 10 years.
• Analysis of three meta-analyses (2015, 2016, 2018) focusing on neonatal outcomes.
• Examination of opinion statements from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Main Results:

• The number of hospitals offering water birth has grown exponentially.
• Research on water birth, including neonatal effects, has substantially increased.
• Water immersion during labor is supported by evidence as a non-pharmacologic comfort measure, even during pandemics.

Conclusions:

• Water birth is a growing trend supported by increasing research.
• Evidence supports the use of water immersion for labor and birth comfort.
• Continued use of water birth is recommended, with considerations for pandemic conditions.