Why More Women Are Choosing Waterbirth
There is something timeless and deeply healing about water. It soothes, cradles, and restores—whether it’s the rhythm of ocean waves, the stillness of a lake, or the warmth of a quiet bath. Water invites us to soften, to let go, and to feel held. In birth, this element becomes more than comfort—it becomes a sanctuary. For many women, laboring or birthing in water feels like returning to something ancient and natural, where the body can open with ease and the spirit feels supported by the gentle embrace of this element.
Birth in warm water is having a moment—and for good reason. Many moms describe it as calmer, more comfortable, and deeply connected to the present moment. In simple terms, water can act like a warm hug: it softens muscle tension, invites your body to relax, and helps you ride each wave with more ease. Beyond the cozy vibes, there’s growing research on hydrotherapy and waterbirth that can help you make an informed, confident choice.
Quick note: every birth is unique. Always talk with your provider about whether laboring in water—and delivering in water—is right and safe for you.
What do we mean by “waterbirth”?
You’ll hear two related terms:
- Hydrotherapy (laboring in water): Using a warm birth pool or tub during labor for comfort and pain relief, then getting out to birth on land.
- Waterbirth: Remaining in the water for the actual birth so baby is born into the pool.
Most of the strongest evidence supports hydrotherapy in the first stage of labor (before pushing). Research consistently shows it can lower the need for epidurals and help many women feel more in control (study by Cluett & Burns, 2018). PubMedPMC
The benefits you’ll feel
1) Surrounded by Comfort, Free from Tension
Warm water has a way of melting stress from your body. Many women say the tub helps ease the intensity of contractions, making it easier to breathe, let go, and move with the rhythm of labor. For some, that comfort means they don’t feel the same need for medical pain relief and can lean more into the natural flow of birth.
Mamas also often describe waterbirth as a more positive experience overall. Being surrounded by warm water can make you feel supported and safe, and many women find they’re more likely to avoid tearing and come away from birth feeling more satisfied with how it unfolded.
2) A calmer and more regulated nervous system
When you feel safe, relaxed, and supported, your body naturally makes more oxytocin—the beautiful “love hormone” that not only keeps labor moving but also deepens your bond with baby. Warm water can help melt away stress and ease pain, and studies have shown it does this without slowing labor or affecting baby’s first health checks after birth (study by Mellado-García et al., 2024).
3) Fewer interventions (for many)
If you’re hoping to avoid or reduce interventions like an epidural, spending time in the tub can be a wonderful support. Research has found that being in warm water during early labor often helps moms cope so well that they don’t feel the need for as much pain medication (study by Cluett & Burns, 2018).
What About Baby’s Safety?
It’s so natural to wonder about your little one’s safety—that’s usually the very first question most parents ask. The reassuring news is this: research shows that laboring in water is very safe and often brings real benefits. When it comes to actually birthing in the water, the studies are still growing, but many are showing positive outcomes.
Large reviews of thousands of waterbirths have found that babies born in water do just as well as those born on land when it comes to things like Apgar scores (those first health checks after birth), risk of infection, or needing extra support after delivery. In fact, some studies even suggest waterbirth babies may have slightly fewer complications overall.
The one risk that does come up is called cord avulsion, which means the umbilical cord can sometimes snap as baby is lifted from the water. While that sounds scary, it’s very rare, and experienced providers know how to manage it safely.
So the bottom line? With the right screening, clear safety steps, and skilled and trustworthy midwives or doctors who are comfortable attending waterbirths, it can be a gentle and safe option for many low-risk pregnancies.
What You Can Ask Your Provider About Waterbirth
- “Is waterbirth an option here, or just laboring in the water?”
- “How often do you support women in waterbirth, and what has your experience been?”
- What steps do you take to keep the pool clean and safe?
- “How do you monitor baby’s heartbeat while I’m in the water?”
- “What happens if I want (or need) to get out of the water during labor?”
- “Is my partner allowed to join me in the tub for support?”
- “How is the pool temperature monitored while I’m in labor?”
- “Can I bring my comfort items to make the space more relaxing (candles, music, essential oils)?”
- “How do you decide if it’s time for me to leave the water for safety reasons?”
- “What is your plan for emergencies during a waterbirth?”
- Being curious and collaborative helps you build a plan that feels safe and aligned with your values.
Our tips for a serene waterbirth experience
- Practice positions in water before day of birth (hands-and-knees, side-lying, kneeling)
- Mind your temperature: pools are typically kept around 36–37.5°C (96.8–99.5°F). Ask your team how they monitor maternal temp and hydration.
- Stay flexible: many mamas labor in the water, then instinctively choose to birth on land—or vice versa. Your intuition matters.
- Have a “dry plan B.” A calm switch to land doesn’t mean your plan “failed”—it means you’re responding wisely to the moment.
Birthing Pools Mamas Love for Waterbirth
If you’re considering a waterbirth at home or in a birth center, you’ll want a pool that’s comfortable, sturdy, and easy to set up. While many hospitals and birth centers provide their own tubs, some mamas prefer to rent or buy one ahead of time for home birth.
A gentle, informed choice
The draw of waterbirth is understandable: warmth, buoyancy, and privacy can transform how labor feels. The science supports hydrotherapy in early labor (less anesthesia, high satisfaction) and shows reassuring neonatal outcomes in many studies of waterbirth, alongside rare risks. (study by Cluett & Burns, 2018; study by McKinney et al., 2024; study by Burns et al., 2022). PubMed+1PMC
If you love the idea of a softer entry for your baby, talk with your midwife, provider, tour facilities, and build a plan that blends evidence with intuition. However your baby is born—water, land, or a little of both—you deserve a birth that feels supported, safe, and beautifully yours.
References (PubMed/PMC)
- Cluett ER, Burns E. Immersion in water during labour and birth (Cochrane Review). 2018 update. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (shows reduced epidural use with first-stage immersion). (study by Cluett & Burns, 2018) PubMedPMC
- McKinney JA, et al. Water birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024. (reports lower odds of several adverse neonatal outcomes and a small increased risk of cord avulsion). (study by McKinney et al., 2024) PubMedAJOG
- Burns E, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of water immersion and waterbirth. BMJ Open (or similar open-access 2022 analysis). (finds higher maternal satisfaction, more intact perineums, small increased cord-avulsion risk with waterbirth). (study by Burns et al., 2022) PMC
- Bovbjerg ML, et al. Maternal and neonatal outcomes following waterbirth. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2021/2022. (large cohort: similar or improved outcomes in midwifery settings). (study by Bovbjerg et al., 2021/2022) PMCPubMed
- Mellado-García E, et al. Hydrotherapy in pain management in pregnant women. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024. (supports pain relief without prolonging labor or affecting Apgar). (study by Mellado-García et al., 2024) PMC
- ACOG Committee Opinion No. 679. Immersion in Water During Labor and Delivery. Obstet Gynecol. 2016. (supports immersion in first stage for healthy term pregnancies; calls for informed consent re: waterbirth). (guidance) PubMedACOG
- ACNM Position Statement (2024). Hydrotherapy During Labor and Birth. (affirms hydrotherapy as safe and effective with protocols). (guidance) midwife.org
