Why More Parents Choose Waterbirth in 2026

Have you considered how giving birth in warm water might change the way you experience labor and the first moments with your baby?

What is waterbirth and how does it work?

Waterbirth refers to laboring and sometimes delivering in a tub or pool of warm water. You can use immersion during the first stage of labor, and some people choose to continue submerged through the second stage so the baby is born into the water or you rise to the surface for delivery.

Water reduces the effect of gravity, supports your body, and creates a calm physical environment. The warmth and buoyancy help your muscles relax, which can change how your contractions feel and how you move and position yourself during labor.

Why families are choosing gentler, more connected birth options

Over recent decades, attitudes about childbirth have shifted toward honoring comfort, autonomy, and emotional connection. You may prefer birthing approaches that reduce medical intervention when safely possible and emphasize comfort, agency, and bonding.

Waterbirth fits into that shift because it often allows you to manage pain more naturally, move freely, and remain more present during labor. Many parents report feeling calmer, more in control, and better able to focus on the experience.

Key benefits of waterbirth for you and your baby

You’ll find several potential benefits from water immersion during labor and birth — physiological, emotional, and practical. The table below summarizes major benefits and how they may affect your experience.

What the evidence says — a balanced view

You should weigh research findings and professional guidance when considering waterbirth. Clinical studies and systematic reviews suggest immersion in the first stage of labor reduces pain scores and lowers the chance you’ll request epidural analgesia. Some evidence indicates lower rates of assisted vaginal birth (forceps or vacuum) with water immersion.

However, high-quality evidence about delivering the baby underwater (actual waterbirth) is smaller and more mixed. Many studies report no increase in major neonatal complications when careful protocols are followed, but rare adverse outcomes have been described. Because of that, professional recommendations vary: several organizations support water immersion for labor, and some endorse waterbirth under specific conditions with trained staff and clear protocols.

Ultimately, you should discuss local guidelines, your health status, and provider experience before deciding.

Who is a good candidate for waterbirth?

Most low-risk pregnancies are well suited to water immersion during the first stage of labor, and many birthing centers and hospitals offer it routinely. You will likely be considered a good candidate if your pregnancy is uncomplicated and you:

• Are carrying a single baby in head-first position.
• Are at term (37–42 weeks gestation).
• Have normal fetal heart monitoring and stable medical status.
• Have no active infections that could affect the baby (e.g., certain transmissible infections).
• Have no major obstetric complications such as placenta previa, severe preeclampsia, or significant bleeding.

If you have risk factors such as multiple pregnancy, preterm labor, or certain infections, waterbirth may be discouraged. Always review specific contraindications with your care team.

Table: Common eligibility criteria and relative contraindications

Safety concerns and how they're managed

You should be aware of potential risks and the protocols designed to reduce them. Common safety concerns include infection, difficulty monitoring the baby, and rare neonatal respiratory issues.

Hospitals and birth centers reduce risk by maintaining strict hygiene, using pools designed for birthing, following temperature guidelines (typically 36–37.5°C / 96.8–99.5°F), and ensuring continuous or intermittent monitoring of the fetal heart rate as appropriate. Staff are trained in timely extraction from water if conditions change, and emergency protocols are in place.

If you’re birthing at home, make sure your midwife or provider is experienced with home waterbirth and that appropriate equipment and backup plans are ready.

Infection control practices

You’ll want to confirm that the facility or provider follows robust infection control: clean and disinfected tubs between uses, single-use liners if used, filtered water systems, and documented cleaning protocols. Tub water isn’t sterile, but when maintained properly it doesn’t increase infection rates for most low-risk births. Always ask how the place you plan to birth maintains cleanliness.

Pain relief and mobility: how water helps during labor

Water reduces the gravitational load on your body, letting you adopt positions that might be uncomfortable on land. You can kneel, squat, lean, or float to find what feels best. This freedom helps manage pain and can encourage labor to progress.

Warmth relaxes muscles and increases pelvic blood flow, which may reduce the intensity of contractions and make them easier to cope with. Many people find they can use breathing and movement rather than drugs for pain control when immersed in water.

How water affects the physiology of labor

Warm water stimulates the release of oxytocin and endorphins, natural hormones that support contractions and pain relief. It also lowers adrenaline, which can otherwise slow labor. By creating a calm environment and reducing pain, you may experience more effective contractions and greater sense of control.

Emotional and bonding benefits

You’re not just managing pain with water — you’re setting the stage for a calmer emotional experience. The privacy and warmth can help you focus inward and connect with your baby during labor. Many people report feeling more satisfied with their birth when they have options that support their comfort and autonomy.

Immediate skin-to-skin contact is commonly facilitated in waterbirth settings, and the calm environment can help you and your partner feel emotionally connected as you meet your baby.

Partner and support person involvement

In a pool, your support person can often be physically closer and more engaged. They can place hands on your back, help you change positions, and be part of comforting measures such as massage. This closeness often enhances partner involvement in the birth process and early caregiving.

Birth positions and techniques in water

Water makes many positions more accessible. You can squat, kneel, sit, stand, or adopt hands-and-knees positions with less effort. Changing positions frequently helps your baby descend and may reduce the need for assisted delivery.

Your midwife or provider can suggest positions that use gravity and pelvic opening to your advantage. You should choose positions that feel most effective and comfortable for you.

Practical considerations: hospital, birth center, or home

You’ll want to compare settings and whether they meet your needs. Each setting has trade-offs: hospitals may offer more immediate medical support, birth centers may provide a more homelike pool environment and philosophy of low intervention, and home births provide maximum privacy and comfort but require good planning for emergencies.

Table: Comparing typical waterbirth settings

Equipment and setup you should know about

Whether you’re at a hospital, birth center, or home, expect a pool designed for obstetric use or a birthing tub that meets safety and hygiene standards. These pools have depth controls, supportive seats, anti-slip surfaces, and easy access for providers.

Bring or confirm availability of necessary supplies: clean towels, waterproof monitoring equipment if needed, a sturdy step or ladder, emesis basin, and backup methods if you decide to leave the tub.

Checklist for a waterbirth (what you should bring or confirm)

Monitoring the baby while you’re in water

Fetal monitoring can be done intermittently or continuously depending on your risk profile and facility protocols. For intermittent monitoring, the staff may briefly take you out of the pool, use waterproof Doppler devices, or employ specialized waterproof monitors.

Discuss with your care team how fetal heart rate will be observed in water so you understand what’s expected and when they would ask you to leave the pool.

When you might be asked to leave the water

Your care team might request that you exit the pool in certain situations, such as:

• Concerns about fetal heart rate or signs of distress.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or suspected placental issues.
• Maternal fever or signs of infection.
• Need for instrumental delivery or cesarean.
• If you feel unwell, dizzy, or have prolonged vomiting.

These circumstances are reasons for safety-first decisions and don’t mean the labor itself failed; exiting the water allows access to medical equipment and staff support.

Potential risks and common concerns

You should know the main risks so you can make an informed decision. Potential concerns include:

• Rare neonatal water aspiration or respiratory distress.
• Umbilical cord rupture or tearing during delivery.
• Maternal infection if hygiene is not maintained.
• Delayed recognition of certain fetal issues if monitoring is inadequate.

When protocols are followed and candidate selection is appropriate, serious complications remain uncommon. Your provider should discuss both benefits and risks with you.

Managing the perineum and reducing tearing

Some people believe water softens tissues and reduces tearing; evidence is mixed but some studies suggest a slightly lower rate of severe perineal trauma with waterbirth. Your provider may guide you toward controlled pushing techniques and positions that help protect the perineum.

Warm water supports muscle relaxation, which can lessen the intensity of tissue stretching and may reduce the need for episiotomy.

Postpartum benefits: immediate time with your baby

You’ll likely experience immediate skin-to-skin contact and a calm transition period in many waterbirth settings. Lower levels of maternal sedation and a relaxed atmosphere can make early breastfeeding and bonding easier.

Waterbirth may allow you to focus on the newborn’s cues and on establishing feeding and attachment in a less medicalized first hour.

Breastfeeding and early physiology

Because waterbirth can reduce the need for opioids and other sedating analgesics, your baby may be more alert at birth and ready to begin breastfeeding sooner. Oxytocin release during a calm labor also helps uterine contraction and milk let-down, which supports early feeding.

Encourage skin-to-skin and keep your baby close to support latch and bonding.

Legal, ethical, and organizational considerations

You should know local policies and provider experience before planning a waterbirth. Some hospitals have strict criteria and specific staff training requirements; others may not offer waterbirth at all.

Ask about liability, staffing, and emergency procedures. Ethical considerations include your right to informed consent and your provider’s duty to practice within scope and safety standards.

How to choose a provider and facility

Select a provider with experience in waterbirth and a facility that regularly supports the practice. Ask about:

• Number of waterbirths performed annually.
• Training for staff in waterbirth procedures and emergencies.
• Infection control standards and pool maintenance.
• Transfer protocols to operating rooms or neonatal care if needed.

A confident and experienced team reduces your stress and increases your chances of a smooth experience.

Preparing your birth plan and communicating preferences

Write a concise birth plan that states your preferences for immersion, monitoring, pain management, pushing, and immediate newborn care. Discuss it early in pregnancy so your provider can advise on feasibility.

Be flexible: labor is dynamic, and your team may need to adjust plans for safety reasons. Clear communication helps you feel respected and supported even when changes occur.

Questions you should ask your care team

Make sure you ask direct questions so you can make an informed choice. Examples include:

• What are your facility’s eligibility criteria for waterbirth?
• How is fetal monitoring handled during immersion?
• How do you clean and maintain the pool between uses?
• What is your protocol for emergency transfer from the pool?
• How often do staff assist births in water and what training do they have?

Table: Suggested questions to ask your provider

Common misconceptions and myths

There are myths that waterbirth always prevents tearing, always guarantees a calm birth, or that babies will be unable to breathe if born underwater. In reality, outcomes depend on many factors including clinical circumstances and provider skill.

Babies have a strong diving reflex and don’t typically breathe underwater; they usually begin breathing once brought to the surface and exposed to air. Still, rare complications can occur, so safety protocols are important.

Alternatives and combined approaches

You can use a combination of techniques: start labor in water for pain relief and then transfer to land for delivery if you prefer or if conditions warrant. You may also combine water immersion with other comfort methods like massage, TENS, or nitrous oxide if available.

Discuss combinations with your provider so interventions are coordinated.

Emotional preparation and coping strategies

Prepare mentally as well as physically. Practice relaxation, visualization, breathing techniques, and rehearsing positions you think might feel helpful. Tour the facility, try a trial soak if possible, and involve your partner or doula in planning.

Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and keeps you centered during labor.

Aftercare: postpartum monitoring and newborn checks

After a waterbirth, you and your baby will still need standard postpartum checks: maternal bleeding assessment, uterine tone check, newborn temperature and breathing evaluation, and routine newborn screenings. You’ll be monitored for infection signs and for effective breastfeeding.

Staff trained in waterbirth typically follow specific checklists to ensure nothing is missed.

Cost and insurance considerations

Costs vary by setting. Birth centers and hospital births are usually covered by insurance in many systems; home birth costs may be out-of-pocket depending on your plan. Check with your insurer and provider about coverage for waterbirth and any extra fees for tub rental.

Stories from other parents — what people commonly report

Many parents describe waterbirths as calm, empowering, and less painful. Partners often say the pool made them feel more involved and able to help. Even when plans changed, those who felt supported by their care team often report higher satisfaction.

Remember every birth is unique, and stories are useful for perspective but not guarantees.

Potential complications and red flags to watch for

You should be alert to signs that require immediate attention: heavy bleeding, high fever, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, or infections. If any of these occur in late pregnancy or labor, contact your provider and follow advice swiftly.

During labor, if staff ask you to leave the pool, they do so for safety reasons — comply promptly so you receive appropriate assessment and care.

How to make an informed decision

Gather information, talk to experienced providers, and weigh benefits against potential risks and logistical factors. Consider your medical history, personal preferences, support system, and how comfortable you feel with the facility’s safety measures.

Make a plan, but remain flexible so you can respond to the needs of you and your baby during labor.

Final practical checklist before the due date

• Confirm your eligibility and the facility’s waterbirth policy.
• Tour the facility and see the tub if possible.
• Discuss monitoring, transfer policies, and infection control.
• Prepare a written birth plan and share it with your team.
• Pack appropriate clothing, towels, and supplies for waterbirth.
• Arrange backup plans for transportation or transfer if birthing at home.
• Practice relaxation and position changes ahead of time.

Frequently asked questions (brief answers)

Q: Will my baby breathe underwater? A: Newborns normally have a diving reflex and do not breathe until they are brought to the air. Staff watch the transition carefully and follow protocols to prevent aspiration.

Q: Is waterbirth safe for first-time parents? A: Many first-time parents have successful waterbirths, but safety depends on individual health, fetal status, and provider experience. Discuss candidacy with your team.

Q: Can I get an epidural and still use the pool? A: Usually not. Epidurals generally limit mobility and make water immersion impractical or unsafe. Discuss pain management options beforehand.

Q: Does waterbirth increase infection risk? A: When hygiene and water management are followed, infection risk is not significantly increased in low-risk births. Confirm local cleaning protocols.

Q: What if I change my mind during labor? A: You can leave the pool at any time. Flexibility and open communication with your care team are key.

Closing thoughts: making waterbirth part of your birthing choices

Choosing waterbirth is about aligning your birth environment with your priorities for comfort, control, and connection. If you value reduced pharmacologic pain relief, increased mobility, and a calm, supportive atmosphere, waterbirth may be a meaningful option.

Talk openly with your provider, review safety protocols, and prepare a flexible plan. With the right team and setting, waterbirth can offer you a gentler, more connected birthing experience that honors both your physical and emotional needs.