A submersion birth is exactly what it sounds like: giving birth while partially submerged, usually in a bathtub or a special submersion birth tub found in some hospitals and birthing centers. Already popular overseas, submersion births have been gaining a following in the United States. According to proponents of submersion births, they reduce the stress on the baby as well as make birth less painful and traumatic for the mother.

There is, however, much controversy surrounding submersion births. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly opposes them for safety reasons. According to the AAP’s Committee on Fetus and Newborns Commentary on Underwater Births:

“A review of the available literature indicates that the risks of underwater birth to the newborn seem to outweigh the benefits, and caution is urged before widespread implementation. Although there is no suggested benefit of underwater birth to the newborn, morbidities identified in clinical reports have raised concerns that this mode of delivery may not be safe.”

Submersion birth pros (although these have not been supported by research):

• Mom’s pain and anxiety can decline.
• Mom may have a shorter initial labor.
• Mom may have less vaginal tearing.
• Baby can cry less and appear more comfortable.
• Baby can achieve higher Apgar (reflex) scores.
• Submersion birth cons:
• Baby can inhale bathwater and drown.
• Baby can suffer brain injury from lack of oxygen underwater.
• Baby can suffer low blood sodium from swallowing water, leading to seizures.
• A Baby’s umbilical cord can rupture and cause uncontrolled bleeding.
• Baby can get an infection from unclean bathwater.
• Mom with herpes can transmit the infection to the baby, causing a life-threatening infection.

Who’s a candidate for submersion births?

• Mom who’s free of pregnancy complications, like blood infection or high blood pressure.
• Mom who’s free of transmittable STDs.
• Mom who’s giving birth to one baby.
• Who’s not a candidate for submersion birth?
• Mom who’s in premature labor.
• Mom who’s giving birth to twins or more multiples.
• Mom who’s suffering from excessive bleeding.

Before deciding on submersion birth, make sure to talk it over with your obstetrician and carefully consider whether the well-documented risks to your baby’s health are worth the experience.

Sources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics Journal
• Underwater Births.
  Mayo Clinic
• Waterbirth: Safe for mom and baby?
  Fox News
• Growing number of women choosing water births.

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