Prospective cohort study of water immersion for labour and birth compared with standard care in an Irish maternity setting.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the birth outcomes for women and babies following water immersion for labour only, or for labour and birth.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Maternity hospital, Ireland, 2016-2019.

Participants

A cohort of 190 low-risk women who used water immersion; 100 gave birth in water and 90 laboured only in water. A control group of 190 low-risk women who received standard care.

Methods

Logistic regression analyses examined associations between water immersion and birth outcomes adjusting for confounders. A validated Childbirth Experience Questionnaire was completed.

Main outcome measures

Perineal tears, obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), neonatal unit admissions (NNU), breastfeeding and birt

SUBMITTER: Barry PL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7722381 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature