Water birth is no better than natural birth

The world's leading doctors warn that water birth - the birthing method chosen by women in many Western countries - is not superior to other conventional birthing methods, and can even be dangerous for the baby.

Water birth is a birthing method that is increasingly popular among women in developed countries. Illustration: Health News

Water births were once thought to help mothers reduce pain during labor and facilitate a smoother birth. However, the world's leading medical experts have confirmed that there is currently no evidence of any benefits of this birthing method for mother or baby.

Water births can even be extremely dangerous, potentially fatal to the fetus. Doctors cite numerous reports of “rare but serious” problems in babies born in water, including potentially fatal infections, hemorrhages and drowning.

The warnings come as water births become increasingly popular in the UK. Most maternity centres in the UK have at least one water birth pool. It is estimated that around one in 100 women in the UK use one at some point during labour, and many of them remain in the water until they are safe and sound.

The British College of Obstetricians, Gynecologists and Midwives says that healthy women with no symptoms of pregnancy can choose to give birth in water. However, new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are more cautious.

US experts believe more research is needed to see whether using a swimming pool during labour can reduce the need for strong painkillers and shorten labour. They say temporary water births should be limited to those taking part in medical research, to avoid any potential risks.

According to Vietnamnet