Water birth

Waterbirth has many benefits including:

• Lower chance of postpartum haemorrhage
• Lower chance of having an episiotomy
• Decreased need for stronger pain relief (epidural and pethidine)
• Lower chance of perineal trauma
• A more positive birth experience
• No difference in baby’s wellbeing at birth

(Burns et al, 2022)

Systematic review and meta-analysis to examine intrapartum interventions, and maternal and neonatal outcomes following immersion in water during labour and waterbirth | BMJ Open

Waterbirth is offered routinely for women who have had an uncomplicated pregnancy. The criteria for women wishing to use water at Hereford are: 

• BMI < 35
• Baby is in a head down position
• Blood pressure is less than 149/99 with no signs of pre-eclampsia
• Your waters have been broken for less than 24 hours
• If your waters have broken, they are clear in colour
• Normal range of baseline observations
• Pethidine not administered within 3 hours
• If it has been found you are GBS positive
• Medium and high risk pregnancies and labours who can have wireless continuous monitoring of baby, for example VBAC, IUGR (growth restricted baby)
• Established labour and/or 4cms dilated with regular painful contractions

Although this is our criteria for using the pool, this is your birth and your choice. Your Doctor/Midwife will have a detailed discussion with you to make you aware of any risks associated with your labour and using the pool so you can make an informed choice.

References

(Burns et al, 2022) Systematic review and meta-analysis to examine intrapartum interventions, and maternal and neonatal outcomes following immersion in water during labour and waterbirth | BMJ Open