Water Birthing

Many women prefer natural childbirth to labor and delivery in a hospital bed with pain medication. Immersion in water is a centuries-old practice to reduce the pain of labor and help the mother relax. The buoyancy of the water helps the mother move more easily into different positions, which allows the baby shift into the best alignment within the pelvis. This combination of relaxation, maternal mobility, and correct fetal alignment leads to faster labors in water, with less bruising and tearing for the mother.

The positive effects of water birthing are well established, but for certain pregnancies, it can carry higher risks. If you’re delivering twins or are pre-term, your caregiver may recommend against water birth. Similarly, if your baby is breech (feet-down instead of head-down in the womb) or if you have any infections or complications, a water birth will not occur.

If you do plan to have a water birth you must first take a special class to prepare for what to expect. Click here to register for a free class and get ready for a wonderful, natural experience. Or, check out the other free classes offered by Cone Health.

Information

Can anyone have a water birth?
- Water birth is an option for women seeking a natural childbirth experience. There are some women with specific high-risk conditions of pregnancy that would not be good candidates for water birth. You should discuss your birth plan with your provider to determine if you are a candidate for water birth.
Are there risks to a water birth?
- Water birth is a safe childbirth option for all women with low-risk pregnancies. The providers attending water births follow strict safety precautions to ensure a safe birth for you and your baby.
How are babies monitored during a water birth?
- Fetal heart rates are monitored with water-proof equipment with either a hand-held device or wireless monitors. The same care is provided to moms and babies in the water as in a traditional hospital bed.
Who will deliver the baby?
- A physician or nurse-midwife trained in water birth can deliver babies in the water. Our nurse-midwives attend all of our water births in collaboration with our physicians.
Do all hospitals offer water births?
- No, not all hospitals offer this service. All of our providers attend births at the Women’s and Children's Center in Greensboro, which offers water immersion for both labor and water births.
Is there an additional cost for water births?
- There is the additional cost to obtain a birth pool and necessary supplies. There is no additional hospital charge for water immersion in labor or for a water birth. Our nurse-midwives do not charge any additional fees for providing continuous support in labor or for attending a water birth.