Waterbirth for Delivery
(TUB Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how giving birth in water compares to traditional land births for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. Researchers aim to determine if waterbirths can lead to better outcomes for mothers during childbirth. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will experience a waterbirth in a special tub, while the other will have a traditional land birth. The trial seeks individuals who are more than 37 weeks pregnant, expecting a single baby, and have no major health issues that complicate birth.
As an unphased study, this trial offers participants the chance to contribute to understanding new birthing options and potentially improve maternal outcomes.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have certain medical conditions or infections, you may not be eligible to participate.
What prior data suggests that waterbirth is safe for delivery?
Research has shown that waterbirth is generally safe for low-risk pregnancies. Studies have found that it does not increase the risk of infections for the mother. Specifically, one study found a 20% lower risk of heavy bleeding after birth with waterbirth. Another study showed that waterbirth did not cause more serious problems compared to traditional births.
Waterbirths are also associated with less use of pain medicine during labor and higher satisfaction among mothers. However, there have been slightly more cases of uterine infections per 10,000 waterbirths compared to non-water births. Overall, for those with low-risk pregnancies, waterbirth is considered a well-tolerated option with several benefits.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about waterbirth for delivery because it offers a unique method that might enhance the birthing experience compared to traditional land births. Unlike standard care, where mothers labor on a bed and may use water only for pain relief during the early stages, waterbirth allows for the entire delivery process to occur in a birthing tub. This approach is believed to promote a more natural and soothing environment, potentially reducing stress and pain during childbirth. Additionally, it aligns with holistic birthing practices that prioritize comfort and maternal choice, which could lead to better overall outcomes for both mother and baby.
What evidence suggests that waterbirth is effective for maternal perinatal outcomes?
This trial will compare waterbirth with traditional land birth. Research has shown that giving birth in water can be a safe and effective option. One study found a 63% lower chance of difficult labor with waterbirths compared to traditional births, suggesting smoother labor progression. Another review found that babies born in water generally had slightly better health immediately after birth, with higher one-minute Apgar scores. Women who experienced waterbirths also reported better mental well-being and a higher quality of life two months postpartum. Additionally, waterbirths were associated with fewer episiotomies, leading to a more comfortable recovery for mothers. Overall, these findings support waterbirth as a good option for low-risk pregnancies.24678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Katrina Nardini
Principal Investigator
University of New Mexico
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults (18+) who are pregnant with one baby in head-down position, at least 37 weeks along, have normal blood pressure and temperature, can walk without help, speak English or Spanish, and do not have severe obesity.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized to either waterbirth or land birth and receive care during labor and delivery
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for maternal and neonatal outcomes postpartum
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Waterbirth
Trial Overview
The study compares giving birth in water (waterbirth) to traditional land births among low-risk pregnant people. Participants are randomly assigned to either group to see which method leads to better outcomes for mothers and babies.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Subjects enrolled in the waterbirth cohort will be assessed for continued eligibility at time of admission to labor and delivery and continuously during labor. Those who remain eligible will have an inflatable birthing tub set up in their room and available for them to use as desired. Waterbirth will be performed in adherence to the following protocol endorsed by the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Study subjects enrolled in the land birth cohort of this study will receive care as usual on labor and delivery. There will be no changes to their intrapartum care including their ability to use water as a form of pain relief during labor (Stage 1 water immersion) if deemed appropriate by their care team. Land birth participants who use water for pain relief will be assisted out of the water prior to second stage (pushing) as is currently routine on UNMH Labor and Delivery.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of New Mexico
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Comparative Efficacy of Water and Conventional Delivery ...
Furthermore, the water birth group had a 63% lower risk of dystocia compared to the conventional birth group, showing that the safety of delivery was improved.
Water birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis ...
Compared with land-based delivery, water birth was associated with significantly increased probability of umbilical cord avulsion (166/32,338 [0.52%] vs 114/ ...
Evidence on Waterbirth
In fact, babies born in the water had better health outcomes than babies born on land. The group that fared the worst were those who intended to ...
Women's experiences of waterbirth: A systematic review ...
found that two months after childbirth, women who had given birth in water reported better mental well-being and quality of life compared to those who had ...
Neonatal Outcomes Following Delivery in Water - PMC - NIH
One-minute Apgar scores were slightly higher among those born in water (P = 0.04); this difference attenuated by five minutes of age. There was no difference in ...
Birth, Bath, and Beyond: The Science and Safety of Water ...
A consensus of researchers found that water birth had either no effect or reduced rates of cesarean surgery and operative delivery (Aird et al., 1997). •. No ...
Immersion in Water During Labor and Delivery
Immersion in water during the first stage of labor may be associated with shorter labor and decreased use of spinal and epidural analgesia.
Establishing the safety of waterbirth for mothers and their ...
Conclusion: For women without pregnancy and labour complexities who use water immersion during labour, birth in water was as safe for mothers and their babies ...
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