Evidence Affirms: Waterbirth Is Safe, Gentle, and Transformative

At Waterbirth International, we’ve spent over 40 years listening to women, learning from midwives, and walking beside families as they welcome their babies in water. Now, the evidence is catching up with what we’ve witnessed all over the world.

A comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology has provided valuable insights into the outcomes associated with water births. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 52 studies, encompassing over 287,000 births, to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between water births and traditional land births.

Key Findings:

• Maternal Outcomes: The study found no increased risk of maternal infection for water births. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in the odds of postpartum hemorrhage.​

• Neonatal Outcomes: Infants born in water had lower odds of low Apgar scores, neonatal infections, and the need for neonatal intensive care unit admissions.​

The authors concluded that, “When compared with land birth, water birth does not appear to increase the risk of most maternal and neonatal complications.” They emphasized the importance of proper precautions and suitable facilities to ensure the safety and benefits of water births.  ​ 

One important note: the study did find a slightly higher chance of umbilical cord avulsion. This reinforces what we already teach—that waterbirth must be supported by skilled hands, in safe, well-prepared environments.

This kind of evidence helps open more hospital doors, empowers birth professionals, and gives more families access to the gentle, physiological birth they deserve.

We’re deeply grateful to the researchers, and even more grateful to the thousands of mothers and midwives whose experiences shaped this data.

🌐 Download the the full study