Water birth

What is a water birth?

Allina Health is pleased to offer water birth delivery as an option for a woman's birth experience. During a water birth, the mother gives birth in water in a special birthing tub. She may also spend part of her labor in the tub. This special tub is larger and deeper than a regular bathtub, deep enough for water to cover the mother's abdomen. Water birth deliveries occur in a caring environment and are supported by an experienced team specially trained in water births.

The following Allina Health hospitals offer water birth delivery:

• The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern and Children's, Minneapolis, MN
• The Mother Baby Center at United Hospital, St. Paul, MN
• The Mother Baby Center at Mercy with Children’s Minnesota, Coon Rapids, MN
• St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN 

Is a water birth an option for me?

Women who are considering a water birth must meet the following criteria. It is recommended you discuss this option and criteria with your health care provider.

• full term, low-risk pregnancy
• free of infection and other medical conditions
• pregnant with one baby (not twins)
• no history of high blood pressure
• no history of bleeding disorders
• no complications during pregnancy or labor
• must meet pre-pregnancy BMI criteria

Benefits of choosing a water birth may include:

for the mother:

• comfort, relaxation and soothing feelings from the warm water
• ability to move more freely during labor
• more efficient contractions and improved blood circulation resulting in less pain for the mother and more oxygen for the baby
• reduced stress-related hormones, allowing the mother's body to produce endorphins which serve as pain-inhibitors
• a more relaxed body, reducing the chance of tearing and a need for stiches
• physical and mental relaxations, allowing for a greater ability to focus on the birthing process
• a greater sense of privacy, reducing inhibitions, anxieties and fears

for the baby:

• provides an environment similar to being in the uterus surrounded by fluid
• eases the stress of the birth resulting in greater reassurance and a sense of security