Waterbirth in low‐risk pregnancy: An exploration of women’s experiences

Abstract

Aims To explore retrospective descriptions about benefits, negative experiences and preparatory information related to waterbirths. Design A qualitative study. Methods Women who gave birth in water with healthy pregnancies and low‐risk births were consecutively recruited between December 2015–October 2018 from two birthing units in Sweden. All who gave birth in water during the recruitment period were included (N = 155) and 111 responded to the survey. Women were emailed a web‐based survey six weeks postpartum. Open‐ended questions were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results Two themes were identified related to benefits: (a) physical benefits: the water eases labour progression while offering buoyancy and pain relief; and (b) psychological benefits: improved relaxation and control in a demedicalized and safe setting. Two themes were identified related to negative experiences: (a) equipment‐related issues due to the construction of the tub and issues related to being immersed in water; and (b) fears and worries related to waterbirth. In regard to preparatory information, respondents reported a lack of general and specific information related to waterbirths, even after they contacted birthing units to ask questions. Supplemental web‐based information was sought, but the trustworthiness of these sources was questioned and a need for trustworthy web‐based information was articulated. Conclusion Women who give birth in water experience physical and psychological benefits, but need better equipment and sufficient information. There is room for improvement with regard to prenatal and intrapartum care of women who give birth in water. Impact Judging from women's recounts, midwives and nurses should continue advocating waterbirth in low‐risk pregnancies. The lack of adequate equipment in Swedish birthing units articulated by women challenge current routines and resources. The findings illustrate unfulfilled needs for preparatory information about waterbirth, further strengthening that midwives should discuss the possibility of waterbirth when meeting expectant parents in the antenatal setting.

A systematic meta‐thematic synthesis to examine the views and experiences of women following water immersion during labour and waterbirth

“…Likewise, this review illustrates that women highly valued the pool receptacle itself, particularly if it was spacious and allowed for freedom of movement. Therefore, we concur with Carlsson and Ulfsdottir (2020) survey conclusions;…”

“…Our review expands on Clews et al's (2019) theme through the development of three higher order themes, nine key finding statements supported by confidence assessments; all of which relate to women's experiences of water immersion. Our findings are also supported by several quantitative surveys that examined women's experiences of water immersion (Carlsson & Ulfsdottir, 2020;Cooper & Warland, 2019;Reyhan & Sayiner, 2019;Richmond, 2003;Ulfsdottir et al, 2020). For example, Ulfsdottir et al, (2020) surveyed 215 women, broadly half used water immersion for labour and birth and the other half did not but had a normal birth.…”

“…The study reported some concerns raised by women -related to fears of unsupportive staff (16%) or fearing being told to get out before they were ready to (9%) -indicative of the value women placed on water immersion, prior to and after the event (Cooper & Warland, 2019). Carlsson and Ulfsdottir (2020) carried out a mixed methods survey of 111 women who had given birth in water in Sweden. Their findings largely supported those already discussed, but the authors did find that some women reported negative experiences due to inadequate birthing pools (Carlsson & Ulfsdottir, 2020).…”

“…Carlsson and Ulfsdottir (2020) carried out a mixed methods survey of 111 women who had given birth in water in Sweden. Their findings largely supported those already discussed, but the authors did find that some women reported negative experiences due to inadequate birthing pools (Carlsson & Ulfsdottir, 2020). Likewise, this review illustrates that women highly valued the pool receptacle itself, particularly if it was spacious and allowed for freedom of movement.…”

Taking the plunge: Water immersion for labour and birth amongst women with moderate obstetric risk factors: A prospective cohort study

“…In 2018 the World Health Organisation (1) published recommendations for intrapartum care, with an intentional focus on a positive childbirth experience as a significant end point for women undergoing labour and birth. Several studies suggest that warm water immersion (WWI) and waterbirth result in increased maternal satisfaction with the birth experience (2)(3)(4) , likely due to an increased sense of control (2,5,6) and improved pain management (7) .…”