water birth, (Informal) an alternate birthing practice in which the mother lies partially submerged in a pool of water heated to 97° to 100° F during the first stage of labor and, if desired, the second stage. It is usually recommended that this alternate birth practice be limited to normal unassisted labor in the vertex presentation in an uncomplicated, normal-term singleton pregnancy. Also called immersion in water during labor and delivery. See also birthing pool. ▪ METHOD: Protocols must be in place to assure that the water is not contaminated, that there are appropriate maternal and fetal evaluations during labor, and for rapid removal of the mother from immersion to a facility where assisted vaginal birth and cesarean section, as well as neonatal resuscitation, are immediately available if complications arise. Water immersion also requires protocols for rapid, careful extraction to avoid aspiration of water by the infant. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Proponents cite easier and faster labor, a greater sense of maternal well-being and control, a decreased risk of perineal trauma (i.e., fewer vulvar and vaginal tears), and less need for analgesia. Other health professionals dispute these claims, noting a relative dearth of controlled, peer-reviewed literature supportive of immersion in water labor and delivery. ▪ OUTCOME CRITERIA: Water birth is promoted by some practitioners as a method to facilitate a more comfortable and gentle first stage, allowing the mother greater and easier movement, buoyed in water rather than recumbent on a bed or seated in a birthing chair. Because of risk, many recommend that if water birth is used in the second stage of labor, it be considered an experimental birthing procedure.
