New Delhi: There’s something quietly irresistible about the idea of a water birth: warm water, buoyant comfort, less pain, and a gentler entrance into the world. Lately, more birthing centres and hospitals are offering tubs and birthing pools, and social media is full of dreamy images of babies being eased into the world in a bath. So, is water birth actually safe — or another shiny trend with hidden risks?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Kavitha Kovi, Head of Department – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster Whitefield, spoke about the pros and cons and clinical relevance of water birthing.
First, a quick heads-up: “water immersion” during the first stage of labour (when you’re having contractions but not yet pushing) and a full “water birth” (where the baby is born under the water) are related but different. Many experts agree that getting into warm water early in labour can make contractions feel better and reduce the need for heavy pain relief. But whether delivering the baby underwater is worth it is where opinions — and science get more nuanced.
What do the big studies say about water births?
The recent, large reviews and real-world NHS data tend to be encouraging for low-risk pregnancies. A major systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2024 concluded that water births do not appear to elevate the risk of most complications delivered on land births, assuming women are cautiously selected and monitored. A large study from the UK examining tens of thousands of planned water labour records across NHS trusts also found little evidence of any statistically significant increase in severe complications for mother or infant. Many hospitals or midwifery teams have expanded their options for water in labour as a result.
So, what are the benefits?
Women who use water for labour commonly report less pain, more control, and greater satisfaction. Clinically, immersion in the first stage is linked to shorter labour and reduced use of epidurals or spinal analgesia — nice if you want a less medicalised birth experience. For many people, the buoyancy of water also makes it easier to change positions and cope with contractions.
What are the risks?
There are real, if rare, downsides. Case reports and some newer reviews highlight neonatal risks tied to contaminated water, missed infections, or births that happen unexpectedly fast or with complications in a pool setting. Tragic, highly publicised incidents — especially in unassisted or poorly supervised home births — have underlined how things can go wrong when safety checks are skipped. That doesn’t mean water birth is dangerous across the board, but it does mean the setup and clinical oversight matter hugely.
How are hospitals keeping water births safe?
Guidelines from mainstream agencies and health services suggest strict screening: water birth is primarily recommended for healthy, low-risk pregnancies (a single baby, head down, term, no serious maternal or fetal complications). A clean pool, staff that are trained, the infection control policy is clear, and a simple plan for getting the mom out of the water if things change is the rule, not the exception. Several NHS trusts and professional groups have updated their policies to offer water labour, sometimes birth, under strict conditions.
What to ask if you want a water birth?
If this appeals to you, ask your care team these simple questions: Do you offer water births, and how often? What are your eligibility criteria? Who is trained to manage births in the pool, and what infection-control steps are taken? What’s the backup plan if the baby shows distress, or if you need to move to the theatre? If answers are vague, press for clarity — or choose a unit with stronger protocols.
Bottom line: safe for many, but not a casual choice
For healthy, low-risk people who labour in well-run hospital or midwifery settings, water immersion (and sometimes water birth) can be a perfectly reasonable and satisfying option. The evidence so far is reassuring when selection criteria, hygiene, and professional oversight are in place. But water birth is not a do-it-yourself party: the real dangers show up when parents skip screening, use rented tubs without medical support, or follow influencer-led “freebirth” trends without skilled attendants on site.
Looking ahead: more pools, more policy
Expect water birth to become more visible in maternity services, but also expect tighter local policies and clearer public guidance. The future likely holds wider availability in hospitals that can match demand with safety, and a sharper divide between supervised, evidence-based water births and risky, unsupervised home experiments.
If you’re curious, talk it through with your midwife or obstetric team. It’s a gentle, beautiful option for many, but choosing it wisely — with safeguards and a qualified team — makes all the difference.