Giving Birth In Water Is Safe, Study Confirms

A recent study which was published this week in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, suggested that water births are safe for both women and their babies. However, researchers discovered an 11 percent increase in perineal tearing or vaginal tearing among mothers.

Researchers from the Oregon State University looked at the record of 6,500 women who delivered their babies through water birth. The data was compared to the non- water birth method. At the end of it, they found out that both of the babies and parents who went through the process were safe. They also discovered babies born in the water were no more likely require an admission to hospital.

"The findings suggest that water birth is a reasonably safe, low-intervention option for women who face a low risk of complications during the birthing process, " Dr. Marit Bovbjerg said. "These are decisions that should be made in concert with a medical professional." 

However, despite its positive findings, researchers found out that there was an 11 percent increase in perineal tearing among the mothers who delivered via birth water. But Dr. Bovbjerg said that the method is "worth taking" for those women who are at risk of tearing as giving birth through water can improve pain management.

According to the report of Morley Observer and Adviser, almost 100,000 pregnant women give birth in tubs or pools in the UK yearly. Those women who went through the process said water helped them relax during labor.

While others believe that this birth method can reduce labor pain, others think that the procedure can lead to a low Apgar score, an assessment for new born babies to measure their health and physical condition, as per Medical Daily.

Although experts confirmed that delivering via water is a safe alternative for women who are at low-risk of complications, researchers are still reminding pregnant women that water birth should be done under the help of medical professionals.