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Is immersion in water during labor or delivery safe in low-risk pregnancies?

Immersion in water during labor has similar maternal and neonatal safety outcomes as conventional labor in low-risk pregnancies (SOR: B, meta-analysis of heterogeneous randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Immersion in water during delivery does not seem to increase neonatal mortality or significantly change cord blood pH in low-risk pregnancies (SOR:C, metaanalysis of small heterogeneous RCTs and cohort studies). Although conventional delivery is encouraged over water birth, immersion in water during the first stage of labor with appropriate hygiene and safety protocols is not discouraged (SOR:C, expert opinion). Copyright © 2018 by Family Physicians Inquiries Network, Inc. DOI 10.1097/01.EBP.0000544860.73911.15