Research Summary - Using water during labour

Warm water has been used for relaxation and pain relief for centuries. Water can provide a relaxed environment for labour and birth, and is an increasingly popular choice. Using water can include using a shower, a bath or a specially designed birthing pool.

There have been some concerns reported about the safety of using water during labour, and especially of giving birth in water. However studies so far suggest that for low risk women, birth in water is as safe as birth out of water. The use of water for labour and delivery has largely not yet been evaluated although there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence.

The benefits of using water are reported to include:

• the reduction of pain and the need for pain relief
• the relaxing effect of the water

The benefits of being in a birthing pool include:

• being supported by the water, so that moving around and changing position is easier
• an upright position is encouraged
• an increase in the likelihood of having a birth with no interventions

When using water during labour, it is important:

• not to get into the water too early, as this can slow labour down
• to ensure the water is around 37°C
• that the baby is monitored as usual
• to be cared for by a midwife experienced in the use of water for labour
• for birth in water, to lift the baby out of the water face up, and not keep the baby held under water

For more detailed research evidence, click here

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