Water Birth Risks: Are there Benefits to Birthing Tubs?

Though many women may choose a water birth as a way to bring their child into the world, a recent report from two leading doctors shows that the risks may outweigh the alleged benefits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists note that though water deliveries have gained popularity over the years, there is no current evidence to suggest that this method is beneficial for the mother or the baby.

In fact, given the lack of benefits and potentially serious side-effects, "the practice of immersion in the second stage of labor (underwater delivery) should be considered an experimental procedure," the report notes, via Live Science.

As many advocates of water births stress that delivering infants in a birthing pool can be preferable to other environmental conditions, as it is reminiscent of the uterus, many risks still apply, according to researchers.

Yet mothers-to-be who are planning on giving birth this way must be aware of potential issues that could result, including infection, the baby's body temperature and potential difficulties with breathing.

"We always acknowledge to our patients that there is not a lot of high-quality evidence that shows there's a benefit to birthing under water," said Cathy Emeis, a nurse-midwife at the Oregon Health & Science University, via CBS News.

New U.S. guidelines also caution mothers regarding the issue: "Given these facts and case reports of rare but serious adverse effects in the newborn, the practice of immersion in the second stage of labour - underwater delivery - should be considered an experimental procedure that should only be performed within the context of an appropriately designed clinical trial with informed consent."

However, those expecting to deliver in a birthing tub feel that they may have less pain overall, which could possibly reduce the need for pain killers that could harm the child.

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Pediatrics.