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There is NO evidence to show at this stage that women should or
should not birth in water. An extensive review was done on all the
randomised controlled trials (in addition for the purpose of my doctoral
thesis did I look at comparison trials and anecdotal evidence of all
deaths related to birth in water.) My concern is that the authors did not
report whether they added salt in the water. Although not proven did we
make a hypothetical statement during 1996 that by adding salt to the water
could prevent"secondary drowning".
It is important that woman should be aware that neonatal infections and
the possibility of secondary drowning is a possible risk when they deliver
in water, but it need to be emphasized that to date there is no evidence
to advice woman not to birth in water.
Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1996 Mar;103(3):202-8.
Birth under water--to breathe or not to breathe.
Hofmeyr GJ, Nikodem VC, De Jagert M.
Competing interests:
None, But I did a PhD on A randomised control trial evaluating the effects of water on birth
Underwater birth - Are correct guideines followed?
There is NO evidence to show at this stage that women should or
should not birth in water. An extensive review was done on all the
randomised controlled trials (in addition for the purpose of my doctoral
thesis did I look at comparison trials and anecdotal evidence of all
deaths related to birth in water.) My concern is that the authors did not
report whether they added salt in the water. Although not proven did we
make a hypothetical statement during 1996 that by adding salt to the water
could prevent"secondary drowning".
It is important that woman should be aware that neonatal infections and
the possibility of secondary drowning is a possible risk when they deliver
in water, but it need to be emphasized that to date there is no evidence
to advice woman not to birth in water.
Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1996 Mar;103(3):202-8.
Birth under water--to breathe or not to breathe.
Hofmeyr GJ, Nikodem VC, De Jagert M.
Competing interests:
None, But I did a PhD on A randomised control trial evaluating the effects of water on birth
Competing interests: No competing interests