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Sanders J, Barlow C, Brocklehurst P, Cannings-John R, Channon S, Cutter J, Hunter B, Jokinen M, Lugg-Widger F, Milosevic S, Gale C, Milton R, Morantz L, Paranjothy S, Plachcinski R, Robling M. Maternal and neonatal outcomes among spontaneous vaginal births occurring in or out of water following intrapartum water immersion: The POOL cohort study. BJOG 2024. [PMID: 38857898 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Warm water immersion during labour provides women with analgesia and comfort. This cohort study aimed to establish among women using intrapartum water immersion analgesia, without antenatal or intrapartum risk factors, whether waterbirth is as safe for them and their babies as leaving the water before birth. DESIGN Cohort study with non-inferiority design. SETTING Twenty-six UK NHS maternity services. SAMPLE A total of 73 229 women without antenatal or intrapartum risk factors, using intrapartum water immersion, between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2022. The analysis excluded 12 827 (17.5%) women who received obstetric or anaesthetic interventions before birth. METHODS Non-inferiority analysis of retrospective and prospective data captured in NHS maternity and neonatal information systems. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Maternal primary outcome: obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) by parity; neonatal composite primary outcome: fetal or neonatal death, neonatal unit admission with respiratory support or administration of antibiotics within 48 hours of birth. RESULTS Rates of the primary outcomes were no higher among waterbirths compared with births out of water: rates of OASI among nulliparous women (waterbirth: 730/15 176 [4.8%] versus births out of water: 641/12 210 [5.3%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.97, one-sided 95% CI, -∞ to 1.08); rates of OASI among parous women (waterbirth: 269/24 451 [1.1%] versus births out of water 144/8565 [1.7%]; aOR 0.64, one-sided 95% CI -∞ to 0.78) and rates of the composite adverse outcome among babies (waterbirth 263/9868 [2.7%] versus births out of water 224/5078 [4.4%]; aOR 0.65, one-sided 95% CI -∞ to 0.79). CONCLUSION Among women using water immersion during labour, remaining in the pool and giving birth in water was not associated with an increase in the incidence of adverse primary maternal or neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sanders
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Christy Barlow
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Brocklehurst
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Susan Channon
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Judith Cutter
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Billie Hunter
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | - Chris Gale
- Neonatal Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Milton
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | - Michael Robling
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- DECIPHer, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Uccella S, Manzoni P, Militello MA, Bosco M, Porcari I, Lanzo G, Maraucci F, Violino C, Lo Cicero T, Biancotto G, Carlo Zorzato P, Franchi MP, Garzon S. Neonatal Outcomes of Water Delivery versus Land Delivery: A Retrospective Propensity Score Weighted Study. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1775-e1782. [PMID: 37207659 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent evidence has shown that water delivery is safe for the mother, but high-quality evidence is not available for the newborn. Therefore, obstetric guidelines do not support it. This retrospective study aimed to contribute to the available evidence on maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with water delivery. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study from prospectively collected birth registry data from 2015 to 2019. A total of 144 consecutive water deliveries and 265 land deliveries eligible for waterbirth were identified. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was applied to address for confounders. RESULTS We identified 144 women who delivered in water (water group) and 265 women who delivered on land (land group). One (0.7%) neonatal death was observed in the water delivery group. After IPTW adjustment, water delivery was significantly associated with a higher risk of maternal fever in puerperium (odds ratio [OR]: 4.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86-17.02; p = 0.004), of neonatal cord avulsion (OR: 20.73; 95% CI: 2.63-2,674; p = 0.001), and of positive neonatal C-reactive protein (CRP > 5 mg/L; OR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.05-7.24; p = 0.039); delivering in water was associated with lower maternal blood loss (mean difference: 110.40 mL; 95% CI: 191.01-29.78; p = 0.007), a lower risk of major (≥1,000 mL) postpartum hemorrhage (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92-0.99; p = 0.016), lower risk of manual placenta delivery (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.03-0.67; p = 0.008) and curettage (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.60; p = 0.002), lower use of episiotomy (OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0-0.12; p < 0.001), and lower risk of neonatal ward admission (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.25-0.48; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The present study showed that differences are present between water and land delivery, and among them is the risk of cord avulsion, a severe and potentially fatal event. In women choosing to deliver in water, a trained staffmust be present and immediate recognition of cord avulsion is key for a prompt management to avoid possible serious complications. KEY POINTS · High-quality evidence is not available for neonatal safety of waterbirth; therefore, retrospective studies still represent the main body of evidence.. · Differences are present between water and land delivery, and among them, the increased risk of cord avulsion is a potentially fatal event.. · A trained staff must assist women who chose to deliver in water and cord avulsion must be promptly recognized and managed to avoid severe neonatal complications..
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Uccella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Manzoni
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Maria A Militello
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Bosco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Irene Porcari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lanzo
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Department of Surgical Sciences, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Maraucci
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Chiara Violino
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lo Cicero
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Giulia Biancotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Pier Carlo Zorzato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo P Franchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Garzon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Cooper M, Madeley AM, Burns E, Feeley C. Understanding the barriers and facilitators related to birthing pool use from organisational and multi-professional perspectives: a mixed-methods systematic review. Reprod Health 2023; 20:147. [PMID: 37794365 PMCID: PMC10548665 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01690-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To identify and synthesize the evidence regarding the facilitators and barriers relating to birthing pool use from organizational and multi-professional perspectives. DESIGN A systematic integrated mixed methods review was conducted. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, EMCARE, PROQUEST and Web of Science databases were searched in April 2021, March 2022 and April 2024. We cross-referenced with Google Scholar and undertook reference list searches. REVIEW METHODS Data were extracted from studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Barriers and facilitators to birthing pool use were mapped and integrated into descriptive statements further synthesized to develop overarching themes. RESULTS Thirty seven articles (29 studies) were included-quantitative (12), qualitative (8), mixed methods (7), and audits (2), from 12 countries. These included the views of 9,082 multi-professionals (midwives, nurses, obstetricians, neonatologists, students, physicians, maternity support workers, doulas and childbirth educators). Additionally, 285 institutional policies or guidelines were included over 9 papers and 1 economic evaluation. Five themes were generated: The paradox of prescriptiveness, The experienced but elusive practitioner, Advocacy and tensions, Trust or Trepidation and It's your choice, but only if it is a choice. These revealed when personal, contextual, and infrastructural factors were aligned and directed towards the support of birth pool use, birthing pool use was a genuine option. Conversely, the more barriers that women and midwives experienced, the less likely it was a viable option, reducing choice and access to safe analgesia. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrated a paradoxical reality of water immersion with each of the five themes detailing how the "swing" within these factors directly affected whether birthing pool use was facilitated or inhibited.
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Whittington JR, Ghahremani T, Whitham M, Phillips AM, Spracher BN, Magann EF. Alternate Birth Strategies. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1151-1159. [PMID: 37496517 PMCID: PMC10368118 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s405533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Community birth is defined as birth that occurs outside the hospital setting. Birthing in a birth center can be safe for certain patient populations. Home birth can also be safe in well-selected patient with a well-established transfer infrastructure should an emergency occur. Unfortunately, many areas of the United States and the world do not have this infrastructure, limiting access to safe community birth. Immersion during labor has been associated with decreased need for epidural and pain medication. Delivery should not occur in water due to concerns for infection and cord avulsion. Umbilical cord non-severance (also called lotus birth) and placentophagy should be counseled against due to well-documented risks without clear benefit. Birth plans and options should be regularly discussed during pregnancy visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Whittington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA
| | - Taylor Ghahremani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Megan Whitham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Amy M Phillips
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Bethany N Spracher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Everett F Magann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Garcia LM, Vanderlaan J, Kamanga FC, Graham-Wood BA. Content Analysis of Water Birth Policies With Implications for Practice and Research. Nurs Womens Health 2023:S1751-4851(23)00128-9. [PMID: 37353209 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify areas of agreement and variation in clinical guidance documents (protocols, policies, or guidelines) that direct water birth care. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive. SETTING The clinical guidance documents studied covered water birth in home and hospital settings. SAMPLE The sample included 22 water birth guidance documents in English from six countries. The documents were obtained by request and resulting snowball sampling. MEASUREMENTS The framework method was adapted as an analytic tool, and a structured matrix output was used to organize and support the method of qualitative content analysis using a general inductive approach. Areas of general agreement and variations in practice guidelines for water birth were identified. RESULTS Criteria for a term, singleton, and cephalic presentation with reassuring maternal and fetal status were the most consistent for inclusion. The reliance on "low-risk" status was strongly present but without a uniform definition. A history of previous cesarean birth, body mass index, use of opioid pain medication, adequate labor progress, and vaginal bleeding were found to vary in directed care, and scarce supporting evidence was offered. Meconium-stained fluid variably excluded water birth in most documents, but this was not supported by evidence. The inconsistent findings from this study are cohesive in the evidence they provide for needed research in areas that affect access to water birth. The findings also provide nurses and birth providers with evidence-based guidelines for water birth care. CONCLUSION There was variation across guidance documents, demonstrating that water immersion is a flexible intervention that can be implemented in different settings and locations while following individual facility protocols for processes for care. An identified area of concern comes from examples of overly restrictive policies for water birth based on opinion or perceived risk rather than evidence from research.
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Seed E, Kearney L, Weaver E, Ryan EG, Nugent R. A prospective cohort study comparing neonatal outcomes of waterbirth and land birth in an Australian tertiary maternity unit. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 63:59-65. [PMID: 35796252 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal preference for warm water immersion (WWI) and waterbirth is increasing, but adoption into obstetric guidelines and clinical practice remains limited. Concerns regarding safety and a paucity of evidence have been cited as reasons for the limited adoption and uptake. AIM The aim was to investigate maternal and neonatal outcomes after WWI and/or waterbirth compared with land birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted in an Australian public maternity hospital between 2019 and 2020. Maternal and neonatal outcomes for 1665 women who had a vaginal birth were studied. Primary outcome was admission to the neonatal unit (NNU). Secondary outcomes included neonatal antibiotic administration, maternal intrapartum fever, epidural use and perineal injury. Multivariate logistical regression analyses compared the outcomes between three groups: waterbirth, WWI only and land birth. RESULTS NNU admissions for a suspected infectious condition were significantly higher in the land birth group (P = 0.035). After accounting for labour duration, epidural use and previous birth mode, no significant difference was detected between groups in the odds of NNU admission (P = 0.167). No babies were admitted to NNU with water inhalation or drowning. Women birthing on land were more likely to be febrile (2 vs 0%; P = 0.007); obstetric anal sphincter injury and postpartum haemorrhage were similar between groups. Regional analgesia use was significantly lower in the WWI group compared to the land birth group (21.02 vs 38.58%; P = <0.001). There was one cord avulsion in the waterbirth group (0.41%). CONCLUSION Maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between groups, with no increased risk evident in the waterbirth and WWI groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Seed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lauren Kearney
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia.,University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Edward Weaver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Ryan
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,QCIF Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachael Nugent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia.,University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Burns E, Feeley C, Hall PJ, Vanderlaan J. Systematic review and meta-analysis to examine intrapartum interventions, and maternal and neonatal outcomes following immersion in water during labour and waterbirth. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056517. [PMID: 35790327 PMCID: PMC9315919 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Water immersion during labour using a birth pool to achieve relaxation and pain relief during the first and possibly part of the second stage of labour is an increasingly popular care option in several countries. It is used particularly by healthy women who experience a straightforward pregnancy, labour spontaneously at term gestation and plan to give birth in a midwifery led care setting. More women are also choosing to give birth in water. There is debate about the safety of intrapartum water immersion, particularly waterbirth. We synthesised the evidence that compared the effect of water immersion during labour or waterbirth on intrapartum interventions and outcomes to standard care with no water immersion. A secondary objective was to synthesise data relating to clinical care practices and birth settings that women experience who immerse in water and women who do not. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES A search was conducted using CINAHL, Medline, Embase, BioMed Central and PsycINFO during March 2020 and was replicated in May 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Primary quantitative studies published in 2000 or later, examining maternal or neonatal interventions and outcomes using the birthing pool for labour and/or birth. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Full-text screening was undertaken independently against inclusion/exclusion criteria in two pairs. Risk of bias assessment included review of seven domains based on the Robbins-I Risk of Bias Tool. All outcomes were summarised using an OR and 95% CI. All calculations were conducted in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V.3, using the inverse variance method. Results of individual studies were converted to log OR and SE for synthesis. Fixed effects models were used when I2 was less than 50%, otherwise random effects models were used. The fail-safe N estimates were calculated to determine the number of studies necessary to change the estimates. Begg's test and Egger's regression risk assessed risk of bias across studies. Trim-and-fill analysis was used to estimate the magnitude of effect of the bias. Meta-regression was completed when at least 10 studies provided data for an outcome. RESULTS We included 36 studies in the review, (N=157 546 participants). Thirty-one studies were conducted in an obstetric unit setting (n=70 393), four studies were conducted in midwife led settings (n=61 385) and one study was a mixed setting (OU and homebirth) (n=25 768). Midwife led settings included planned home and freestanding midwifery unit (k=1), alongside midwifery units (k=1), planned homebirth (k=1), a freestanding midwifery unit and an alongside midwifery unit (k=1) and an alongside midwifery unit (k=1). For water immersion, 25 studies involved women who planned to have/had a waterbirth (n=151 742), seven involved water immersion for labour only (1901), three studies reported on water immersion during labour and waterbirth (n=3688) and one study was unclear about the timing of water immersion (n=215).Water immersion significantly reduced use of epidural (k=7, n=10 993; OR 0.17 95% CI 0.05 to 0.56), injected opioids (k=8, n=27 391; OR 0.22 95% CI 0.13 to 0.38), episiotomy (k=15, n=36 558; OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.27), maternal pain (k=8, n=1200; OR 0.24 95% CI 0.12 to 0.51) and postpartum haemorrhage (k=15, n=63 891; OR 0.69 95% CI 0.51 to 0.95). There was an increase in maternal satisfaction (k=6, n=4144; OR 1.95 95% CI 1.28 to 2.96) and odds of an intact perineum (k=17, n=59 070; OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.79) with water immersion. Waterbirth was associated with increased odds of cord avulsion (OR 1.94 95% CI 1.30 to 2.88), although the absolute risk remained low (4.3 per 1000 vs 1.3 per 1000). There were no differences in any other identified neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This review endorses previous reviews showing clear benefits resulting from intrapartum water immersion for healthy women and their newborns. While most included studies were conducted in obstetric units, to enable the identification of best practice regarding water immersion, future birthing pool research should integrate factors that are known to influence intrapartum interventions and outcomes. These include maternal parity, the care model, care practices and birth setting. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019147001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel Burns
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire Feeley
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Priscilla J Hall
- VA School of Nursing Academic Partnership, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Zhang G, Yang Q. Comparative Efficacy of Water and Conventional Delivery during Labour: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:7429207. [PMID: 35392147 PMCID: PMC8983243 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7429207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In many maternal settings, water delivery is widely available for women who do not have an increased risk of complications during childbirth. Soaking in water during labor has been associated with a number of maternal benefits. However, the situation of water birth is not well known, there is lack of hard evidence on safety, and little is known about the characteristics of women who give birth in water. In this paper, we have explored the effects of water delivery compared to the conventional delivery on the health of mothers and babies. For this purpose, clinical trials were conducted including women in labor, in which participants were treated with water labor or conventional labor, respectively, in the experimental and control group. In this analysis, we have selected 17 eligible studies which included 175654 participants. Compared to the conventional birth group, the risk of Apgar score <7 at 5 min of age in the water birth group dropped by 28% (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52-1.00, I 2 = 25%, P=0.05). Also, the duration of labor was shorter the in water birth group whatever the labor stage was. The patients who underwent water birth showed an obviously lower rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.86, I 2 = 53%, P=0.007). In this meta-analysis, it was seen that water delivery has clinical significance in alleviating the pain of mothers, promoting the safety of mothers and infants, and reducing postpartum complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanran Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Histology & Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qiuhong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
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