CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Planning a Water Birth? Here’s Why Your Doctor May Warn You Against It

save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Doctors have some serious misgivings about water births and according to the new joint guidelines released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), they have good reason why.

According to the new guidelines, it’s okay for a woman to labor in the tub (to take some off the pressure of), actually giving birth in water could be dangerous for baby. Dr. Tonse Raju, chief of the pregnancy and perinatology branch at the National Institude of Child Health and Human Development, told TODAY, “Before this report, there wasn’t any standard advice. The practice has been going on without a whole lot of endorsement from any major group.” Raju, who helped write the guidelines, says that the new recommendations should shy doctors away from recommending mom delivering in the water.

In the joint report, Raju and his team found that for women with uncomplicated pregnancies, it’s safe to spend the _first stage _of labor in a tub because it helps to reduce pains and to relax her. But it’s the fatality risk that concerns the AAP and the ACOG. Contaminated bath water poses a danger of infection to mom and baby (especially if he swallows water containing fecal matter or amniotic fluid). There have even been reported cases of babies drowning after aspirating.

Doctors aren’t even sure if there’s really any benefit to delivering in the bath. Dr. Jeff Ecker, who is chair of the ACOG’s Committee on Obstetric Practice, says, “It is difficult to quantify those risks. The information that is out there [is incomplete and inconclusive]. There is a potential for more risk with an underwater birth.”

Do you think a water birth is safe?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman sitting at home
What to Know About the Transverse Baby Position
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting in bed holding belly
What Does Baby's Fetal Station in Labor and Delivery Mean?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mother holding newborn baby after giving birth in hospital
What Happens Right After Baby Is Born?
By Liz Callahan Schnabolk
ADVERTISEMENT
man helping woman through labor and delivery
9 Ways to Support Your Birthing Partner During Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman in labor with eyes closed
A Quick Guide to HypnoBirthing and Its Techniques
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman in active labor in hospital bed
What Is Active Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
smiling same sex female couple sitting together and looking at one of their pregnant bumps
What You Need to Know About a Mucus Plug
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman sitting at home looking at ultrasound photos
What Is Considered a Full-Term Pregnancy—and Why Does It Matter?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman going through labor in hospital
What Does Back Labor Feel Like?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of pregnant woman sitting in passenger seat of car
What Is Precipitous Labor? (and What to Do if It Begins)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
unrecognizable pregnant woman talking to doctor
What to Know About Group B Strep in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman in bed touching her belly
What to Know About the Bloody Show During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman hooked up to monitors for labor and delivery
What Is Cervidil—and How Does It Help Induce Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman looking in bathroom mirror
Should You Groom for the Delivery Room?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
doctor exam for pregnant woman bishop score
What Does Your Bishop Score Mean for Labor and Delivery?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman lying in hospital bed while in labor
What to Know About Amniotomy and the Artificial Rupture of Membranes
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom after labor and delivery in hospital bed with newborn baby
4 Must-Know Strategies for an Easier Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman sitting in hospital bed while in labor
Baby Is Coming: What to Know About Cervix Dilation
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
water splash and bubbles
What to Know About Your Water Breaking During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
What You Need to Know About Preterm Labor
What You Need to Know About Preterm Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List