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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Waterbirth – Safety and satisfaction: A prospective study of 200 deliveries in a Czech perinatology center
1
University Hospital Ostrava, Department of Obstetrics, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A629
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Waterbirth remains a topic of debate, though growing evidence supports its safety and positive impact on maternal experience. In the Czech Republic, hydrotherapy during the first stage of labour has been common, but waterbirth was limited to smaller units. Recently, Ostrava became the first perinatology centre to offer waterbirth. This study evaluates maternal and neonatal outcomes, birthing positions, and women’s experiences.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes, use of birthing positions, and maternal satisfaction in waterbirths conducted at a tertiary perinatology center in the Czech Republic. The study also aims to assess the safety and feasibility of waterbirth in a clinical hospital setting.
METHODS:
This prospective observational study included 200 water births at University Hospital Ostrava. Data collected included maternal characteristics, birthing positions, use of analgesia, birth-related injuries, neonatal outcomes and maternal satisfaction.
RESULTS:
The mean maternal age was 31.4 years, with 25.5% nulliparous. Most women (80.5%) required no analgesia. Birthing positions included semi-sitting (42.5%), kneeling (34%), starting position (13%), and others (10.5%). No episiotomies were performed. Perineal outcomes: 44% had no or minimal injury, 40% first-degree, 15.5% second-degree, and 0.5% third-degree tears. Neonatal outcomes were favorable: 92.5% of newborns scored 8–10 on the Apgar scale at 1 minute and 100% at 10 minutes. One newborn required NICU admission due to a single case of umbilical cord avulsion immediately after birth. Maternal satisfaction was high, with all participants stating they would choose waterbirth again.
CONCLUSIONS:
Clinically supervised waterbirth is associated with low maternal trauma, minimal need for analgesia, excellent neonatal outcomes and high maternal satisfaction. When conducted in accordance with established guidelines and with appropriate patient selection, waterbirth is a safe, effective, and empowering option for childbirth.
KEY MESSAGE:
Waterbirth is a safe, low-intervention method associated with high maternal satisfaction and should be considered a valid option in modern obstetrics. Poster session 2 (Group A)
Waterbirth remains a topic of debate, though growing evidence supports its safety and positive impact on maternal experience. In the Czech Republic, hydrotherapy during the first stage of labour has been common, but waterbirth was limited to smaller units. Recently, Ostrava became the first perinatology centre to offer waterbirth. This study evaluates maternal and neonatal outcomes, birthing positions, and women’s experiences.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes, use of birthing positions, and maternal satisfaction in waterbirths conducted at a tertiary perinatology center in the Czech Republic. The study also aims to assess the safety and feasibility of waterbirth in a clinical hospital setting.
METHODS:
This prospective observational study included 200 water births at University Hospital Ostrava. Data collected included maternal characteristics, birthing positions, use of analgesia, birth-related injuries, neonatal outcomes and maternal satisfaction.
RESULTS:
The mean maternal age was 31.4 years, with 25.5% nulliparous. Most women (80.5%) required no analgesia. Birthing positions included semi-sitting (42.5%), kneeling (34%), starting position (13%), and others (10.5%). No episiotomies were performed. Perineal outcomes: 44% had no or minimal injury, 40% first-degree, 15.5% second-degree, and 0.5% third-degree tears. Neonatal outcomes were favorable: 92.5% of newborns scored 8–10 on the Apgar scale at 1 minute and 100% at 10 minutes. One newborn required NICU admission due to a single case of umbilical cord avulsion immediately after birth. Maternal satisfaction was high, with all participants stating they would choose waterbirth again.
CONCLUSIONS:
Clinically supervised waterbirth is associated with low maternal trauma, minimal need for analgesia, excellent neonatal outcomes and high maternal satisfaction. When conducted in accordance with established guidelines and with appropriate patient selection, waterbirth is a safe, effective, and empowering option for childbirth.
KEY MESSAGE:
Waterbirth is a safe, low-intervention method associated with high maternal satisfaction and should be considered a valid option in modern obstetrics. Poster session 2 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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