Trial of Underwater Birth: A Randomized Control Trial
University of New Mexico
Summary
Evaluate maternal perinatal outcomes in adult low-risk laboring people randomized to waterbirth compared to those randomized to birth on land.
Description
The proposed randomized control trial will be approached as a pilot study to explore or test (if sample size permits) our hypotheses. Primary outcome: Use of epidural anesthesia during labor and vaginal birth. Secondary outcomes: Use of IV narcotics in labor, duration of active labor, mode of delivery, composite maternal adverse outcomes (see below), use of intermittent auscultation (IA), composite neonatal adverse outcomes (see below), United States Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (US-BSS-R), use of epidural analgesia during labor (full intention-to-treat analysis).
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion criteria based on A model practice template for hydrotherapy in labor and birth (2016): Prenatal inclusion criteria (to be assessed at the time of enrollment): * ≥18 years of age * Able to speak and understand English or Spanish * Singleton gestation * Vertex presentation * Able to ambulate with no mobility restrictions (i.e., no difficulty getting from seated to standing) * Less than class III obesity (BMI \<40 kg/m2) at initiation of prenatal care Labor inclusion criteria (to be assessed at time of admission): * Greater than 37 weeks 0 days through and less…
Interventions
- ProcedureWaterbirth
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.
Location
- University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, New Mexico