Objective: The objective our study was to compare the respective effects of water and traditional delivery on birthing women and newborns.
Patients and methods: 120 primiparas with singlet pregnancy, head-down foetus position, and term delivery were randomly divided into two groups. Sixty birthing women were included in traditional delivery group, while other sixty women underwent water delivery. The duration of labour and the volume of blood lost within 24 hours were compared between both groups. Furthermore, perineum condition, degree of delivery pain, and Apgar scores (1st and 5th minute) were also compared.
Results: The total duration of labour and the volume of lost blood were comparable between both delivery methods. The perineum integrity and episiotomy rates were significantly (p < 0.05 for both comparisons) better in water delivery group (respectively, 25.00% vs. 8.33% and 1.67% vs. 20% in traditional delivery group). Furthermore, the degree of delivery pain was also more favourable in water delivery group. The Apgar scores were comparable between both delivery methods.
Conclusions: Water delivery can reduce delivery pain without increasing the risk to birthing women and newborns.