Water Birth Research Articles

Qualitative and Artificial Intelligence-Based Sentiment Analysis of Formerly Twitter Messages Related to Water Birth

The benefits of water birth are often emphasized in the literature. While there has been an increase in studies examining women’s experiences of water birth, there has been no study examining formerly twitter statements on this subject. The aim of the study is to determine the opinions about water birth by examining tweets about water birth on formerly twitter. This mixed-method, retrospective study included evaluation of descriptive, quantitative, and qualitative data. In the study, sentiment analysis was performed using quantitative and qualitative methods, using tweets with the expression “waterbirth” and shared between May-July 2023. It has been determined that 87.7% of the 510 tweets that constitute the sample of the study contain positive emotions. The most frequently used words in formerly twitter messages are water, birth, home, epidural, want and baby. Six themes emerged because of the qualitative analysis. These themes were “desire,” “painless and comfortable,” “favorable emotions,” “beneficial and natural,” “undecided emotions and statements,” “unfavorable emotions and statements.” People’s opinions about water birth were mostly positive. Water birth is a desired birth method for people. The results of the study can provide insights for future studies as they present the views of people on water birth.

Hydrotherapy During Labor and Birth in Water: A Review of Current Researches

Hydrotherapy is one of the most nonpharmacological methods for pain management in labor, where water at different temperatures is used to treat diseases and reduce pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that hydrotherapy can be used in the first stage of labor, but there is insufficient evidence on the outcomes of water birth. When the effects of hydrotherapy were examined according to the stages of labor, it was determined that it had an effect on pain, anxiety, comfort level, sympathovagal balance, parenting behavior and active phase duration in the first stage of labor. In the second stage of labor; epidural and opioid use, maternal pain, episiotomy use, intact perineum, shoulder dystocia and duration of labor. In the postpartum period, it has been reported to have an effect on the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, birth satisfaction and women's sense of autonomy, shorten the duration of hospitalization and increase the rate of breastfeeding. When the effects of water birth on the newborn are examined, it is determined that it has an effect on body temperature, arterial and venous pH, while it has no effect on Apgar. Although there are various studies on water birth in the literature, more studies are needed to obtain evidence-based results. The aim of this review is to examine the current research results of hydrotherapy applied in the first stage of labor and the second stage of labor in water (water birth) in the last 5 years.

Safety of water births: new research

Safety of water births: new research

Визначення психологічного профілю вагітних, які бажають обрати альтернативний варіант розродження

One of the main indicators of the country's development is the health of women and children. Today in Ukraine, there is a significant decrease in the level of physical and moral health among young people, which negatively affects the course of pregnancy and childbirth. At the same time, the term “childbirth experience” is spreading in the obstetric community, which reflects the peculiarities of a woman's own feeling of the process of giving birth to a child, along with the spread of “non-traditional” methods of childbirth, such as vertical childbirth, childbirth in the knee-elbow position, childbirth in water, which aimed precisely at obtaining a positive birth experience. However, in the literature reviewed by us, we found only isolated information about the criteria for selecting patients to be involved in the attempt of alternative birth options. Aim - determine the psychological profile of pregnant women who wish to choose an alternative option for childbirth. Materials and methods. Surveyed 274 pregnant women at 11-12 and 36-37 weeks of pregnancy using a Google form containing 16 questions to determine the psycho-emotional state, mood, plans and fears about future childbirth. Results. The obtained results at 11-12 weeks outlined the psychological profile of pregnant women as a state of pleasure combined with insufficient knowledge about the course of childbirth. The results of the questionnaire at 36-37 weeks show a change in the psychological state in the direction of the development of fatigue with a significant increase in the number of women who are worried about the course of the upcoming childbirth, the pain associated with it, and want to involve close relatives/husband or an outside helper in childbirth. The majority of women have been found to have fear and uncertainty about their own condition during and after childbirth, which is the basis for an in-depth study of the psycho-emotional sphere. It was found that significantly more women want to try an alternative method of childbirth - water birth - 122 (44.5%). Conclusions. The psychological profile of pregnant women who wish to choose an alternative method of childbirth, including water birth, is characterized by a feeling of fear and anxiety before the upcoming birth, fears about the use of pharmacological methods of analgesia, as well as about possible aggression on the part of medical stuff. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes among spontaneous vaginal births occurring in or out of water following intrapartum water immersion: The POOL cohort study.

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. Cohort study with non-inferiority design. Twenty-six UK NHS maternity services. 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. Non-inferiority analysis of retrospective and prospective data captured in NHS maternity and neonatal information systems. 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. 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). 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.

Hospital Water Birth: Interim Results of a Pilot Randomized Control Trial [ID 2683557

INTRODUCTION: Water birth is a method of pain relief during labor associated with decreased pain and increased satisfaction. Randomized control trials (RCTs) about water birth and safety outcomes are needed. We conducted an RCT of hospital water birth versus land birth to compare maternal/neonatal outcomes, and differences in analgesia/anesthesia use. This is an updated interim analysis of our findings (Clinical trial: NCT05175599). METHODS: After IRB approval, low-risk pregnant adults were offered study participation between 25 and 34 weeks of gestation. Enrollment began January 2022 using a computer-generated 2:1 (water birth-to-land birth) allocation ratio. Participants in both arms were offered routine care and all available pain relief, with those in the water birth arm given the additional option of birth in the tub. Participants in both groups were excluded if they developed risk factors, including hypertension, preterm labor, or nonvertex presentation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. RESULTS: Overall, n=182 have been enrolled and n=157 have given birth. Following exclusions, n=96 (n=67 water birth, n=29 land birth) remained eligible for the study. Significantly fewer participants had epidural or intravenous narcotic analgesia in the water birth group (37.3% versus 82.8% land birth; P<.0001). Ultimately in the water birth group, n=35 (52.2%) gave birth in water. Using the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised Indicator scale, water birth patients expressed a significantly higher level of satisfaction (Mdn=33.0 versus 29.0 land birth; P=.009). To date, no adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings suggest that when offered to low-risk laboring people, hospital water birth reduces pain and increases satisfaction without leading to adverse events.

Artificial Intelligence-Powered Sentiment Analysis of Water Births on YouTube via ChatGPT [ID 2683505

INTRODUCTION: YouTube is a popular platform for sharing information regarding experiences during pregnancy, including water births. Thus, it is beneficial for health care providers to be aware of the sentiment towards water birth in the most popular videos on the topic. ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence natural language processing tool was utilized to assess sentiments expressed by pregnant individuals and their loved ones through YouTube videos. METHODS: A YouTube search query on “water birth” was conducted. English transcripts from the top 100 “most viewed” videos were extracted and analyzed using ChatGPT, which categorized sentiments as positive, negative, neutral, or mixed. Chi-squared goodness-of-fit and independence tests were performed to assess significance of differences between groups. RESULTS: Of the 63 YouTube videos that met criteria, 52.4% were positive, 17.5% were mixed, 15.9% could not be assessed, 12.7% were neutral, and 1.6% were negative (P<.0001). Videos were uploaded from North America (84%), Australia (5%), Europe (5%), Asia (4%), Africa (1%), and South America (1%). When comparing North America to other regions, results are as follows: positive (54.7% versus 50% [P=.3173]), negative (8% versus 0% [P=.0032]), neutral (17.2% versus 16.7% [P=.6716]), and mixed (9.4% versus 8.3% [P=.2074]). CONCLUSION: As the trend of sharing labor and delivery experiences online gains traction, it is important to understand the sentiment surrounding water births on social media platforms such as YouTube. Over half of all sentiments on water birth were positive, whereas only a small amount were found to have a negative sentiment. While a majority of the most popular videos on water births are from North America, it is important to note that North American videos expressed more negative sentiment compared to other continents. Ongoing efforts should be undertaken to gain insights into the sentiments associated with nontraditional labor and delivery methods.

YouTube Video Characteristics as Indicators for Adherence to Accurate Water Birth Guidelines [ID 2683502

INTRODUCTION: The accessibility of YouTube videos has made it a popular platform for seeking and sharing pregnancy advice, especially experiences related to “natural” delivery methods like water births. Therefore, it is important to understand which video characteristics amassed more views as well as explore the relationship between characteristics and accuracy of information. We aim to assess what components of water birth YouTube videos are predictive of more accurate content with evidence based on American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines. METHODS: A YouTube search on “water birth” was conducted using the filter “most viewed.” The first 100 videos were selected using a strict inclusion criteria, and video characteristics were recorded. Video views ranged from 457,296 to 78,035,874. Reviewers scored videos in accordance with published guidelines using the “ACOG Water Birth Rubric.” Chi-squared goodness-of-fit and independence tests were performed to assess significance of differences between groups. RESULTS: Out of 96 videos, 13.1% from North America were scored as accurate, versus 15% from other continents (P=.5754). Only 14.4% of videos from personal channels were accurate, despite comprising 71.8% of all videos in the top 100. All videos from doulas and midwives scored neutral, and there were no videos from health care professionals with advanced degrees. Commercial videos had the highest amount of accurate videos at 16.6%. Videos with a supportive figure in the thumbnail had significantly less videos graded as inaccurate (3.5%) compared to those without (18%; P=.0003). CONCLUSION: Patients use YouTube videos as a resource for pregnancy information, particularly for alternative birthing practices. North America has some of the most popular videos and personal channels that often deviate from ACOG guidelines. Our findings highlight an urgent need for health care professionals to guide patients towards evidence-based resources, especially for alternative birth practices, and contribute accurate and informative content on such platforms.

Water Fluoridation and Birth Outcomes in California.

There is a lack of research on the relationship between water fluoridation and pregnancy outcomes. We assessed whether hypothetical interventions to reduce fluoride levels would improve birth outcomes in California. We linked California birth records from 2000 to 2018 to annual average fluoride levels by community water system. Fluoride levels were collected from consumer confidence reports using publicly available data and public record requests. We estimated the effects of a hypothetical intervention reducing water fluoride levels to (the current level recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services) and (below the current recommendation) on birth weight, birth-weight-for-gestational age z-scores, gestational age, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, large-for-gestational age, and macrosomia using linear regression with natural cubic splines and G-computation. Inference was calculated using a clustered bootstrap with Wald-type confidence intervals. We evaluated race/ethnicity, health insurance type, fetal sex, and arsenic levels as potential effect modifiers. Fluoride levels ranged from 0 to , with a median of . There was a small negative association on birth weight with the hypothetical intervention to reduce fluoride levels to [; 95% confidence interval (CI): , 0.0] and to (; 95% CI: , ). There were small negative associations with birth-weight-for-gestational-age z-scores for both hypothetical interventions (: ; 95% CI: , 0.000 and : ; 95% CI: , 0.000). We also observed small negative associations for risk of large-for-gestational age for both the hypothetical interventions to [; 95% CI: , 0.000 and (; 95% CI: , 0.000)]. We did not observe any associations with preterm birth or with being small for gestational age for either hypothetical intervention. We did not observe any associations with risk of preterm birth or small-for-gestational age for either hypothetical intervention. We estimated that a reduction in water fluoride levels would modestly decrease birth weight and birth-weight-for-gestational-age z-scores in California. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13732.

Water Birth's Advantages, Safety, and Considerations: An Extensive Overview

Water Birth's Advantages, Safety, and Considerations: An Extensive Overview

Various birth techniques: home birth, water birth, lotus birth, hypno birth, and birth position

Various birth techniques: home birth, water birth, lotus birth, hypno birth, and birth position

Water birth: An In-Depth Exploration of Benefits and Considerations

Water birth, an alternative approach to labor and delivery, has captured the attention of expectant parents seeking a gentler and more comfortable birthing experience. This review synthesizes existing literature on water birth, exploring its potential benefits and addressing pertinent considerations. We delve into maternal and neonatal outcomes, safety concerns, and the psychological dimensions of this birthing method. Our analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, empowering healthcare professionals and prospective parents to make informed decisions about incorporating water birth into their birthing plans.

Systematic Reviews and Synthesis without Meta-Analysis on Hydrotherapy for Pain Control in Labor

Background: Although there is scientific evidence regarding the use of water immersion during labor, this evidence is primarily focused on the first stage of labor. There is limited scientific evidence on water immersion during the second stage of labor. Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and synthesis of contemporary evidence related to water birth, with a specific focus on the second stage of labor. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature published between January 2018 and October 2023 was carried out. A synthesis of the results was conducted following the Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were utilized as information sources. The search strategy was designed using the keywords “immersion” and “parturition”, along with their relevant synonyms. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies employing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and quantitative and qualitative approaches focusing on pregnant women undergoing water immersion at any stage of the labor process. Results: Eleven articles were selected: two systematic reviews (one quantitative and one qualitative), five cohort studies, one case–control study, one cross-sectional observational study, and two qualitative studies. A thorough assessment of the methodology was performed using several specific tools: the Cochrane RoB 2 (Risk of Bias 2) tool for systematic reviews, JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research for qualitative studies, STROBE for observational descriptive studies, and CASPe for qualitative studies. The results provided fundamental insights that will contribute to conceptual standardization regarding the effects of water birth on maternal and fetal health. Additionally, a synthesis of the results was performed concerning types of delivery, analgesia use, pain perception, and maternal satisfaction with the water birth experience. Conclusions: In this study, we conclude that the results regarding delivery types, labor durations, and analgesia use found in the literature, along with statistically significant maternal/fetal effects, are crucial for making recommendations regarding the use of water during labor in any of its stages if the woman desires it safely.

Is water delivery a good idea to prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries in low risk primiparae? An exploratory study in a Swiss public teaching hospital

ObjectiveObstetric anal sphincter injuries are feared perineal injuries that are associated with increased pelvic floor disorders. The knowledge of influencing factors as the mode of delivery is therefore important.The aim of this study is to compare the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries in primiparae after water and bed deliveries. Study designIn this retrospective cohort study 3907 primiparae gave birth in water or on a bed in a Swiss teaching hospital.The diagnosis of obstetric anal sphincter injuries was confirmed by a consultant of obstetrics and gynecology and treated by them. The rates of these injuries after water and bed births were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed to detect possible associative factors, such as birth weight, episiotomy, use of oxytocin in first and second stage of labor. Results1844 (47.2 %) of the primiparae had a water delivery and 2063 (52.8 %) a bed delivery. 193 (4.94 %) were diagnosed with obstetric anal sphincter injuries, of which 68 (3.7 %) had a water delivery and 125 (6.1 %) a bed delivery, p < 0.001.Subgroup analysis revealed that, in the first and second stage of labor, the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries with oxytocin was significantly lower in water than in bed deliveries; p = 0.025, p < 0.017, respectively. The rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries in the birth weight or episiotomy subgroups did not reach significance. ConclusionsIn a teaching hospital setting with standardized labor management, primiparae with a water delivery have the lowest risk for obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Midwives’ Experience, Knowledge, and Perception of Assisting Water Birth in a Hospital Unit - A Qualitative Interview Study

Background: the opportunity for women to give birth in water vary globally, and in Sweden waterbirth is offered in some of the maternity clinics in the country. An increased demand of water birth from pregnant women have been noticed. Research on waterbirth mainly focuses on women's experiences, but rarely on midwives' knowledge and perception. Aim: the aim of this study was to describe midwives' experience of, and knowledge about waterbirth. With a qualitative method and inductive approach, 16 midwives with varying experience, working in a clinic that provides waterbirths, were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed with content analysis. Results: The difficulty of estimating bleeding in water was perceived as a challenge. Also, the surveillance of the baby when CTG was used was another challenge. The working environment for the midwife working in positions where they had to lean into the pool was also mentioned as a challenge. The state of education and knowledge was varying, but trusting one's skills in assisting a waterbirth was based both in the level of experience as a midwife and in the number and frequency of assisting waterbirths. The clinic's policies and guidelines on waterbirth also played a part in the perceived safety. Conclusion: midwifes experienced of waterbirths was that waterbirth is positive both for the woman and the midwife herself. Knowledge was obtained mainly through practical experience, other midwives, and clear guidelines.

446 Exploring YouTube Sentiments on Water Births through MonkeyLearn Artificial Intelligence

446 Exploring YouTube Sentiments on Water Births through MonkeyLearn Artificial Intelligence

965 Predictive youtube video characteristics as indicators for adherence to accurate water birth guidelines

965 Predictive youtube video characteristics as indicators for adherence to accurate water birth guidelines

728 Water birth youtube videos: understanding its accuracy in accordance to evidence-based guidelines

728 Water birth youtube videos: understanding its accuracy in accordance to evidence-based guidelines

Examining the Benefits of Water Births in a Hospital Setting: Perspectives from Midwives and Nurses

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of midwifery-led care on maternal outcomes, maternal satisfaction, and newborn health in a hospital setting. Specifically, the study sought to compare the effects of midwifery-led care to standard care models, assess maternal preparedness for childbirth, explore rates of medical interventions, evaluate maternal satisfaction, and examine newborn health outcomes. Methods: A total of 200 expectant mothers receiving prenatal care at a tertiary hospital were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (midwifery-led care) and Group B (standard care). Participants' demographic information, medical history, and preferences related to prenatal care were collected using a structured questionnaire. Validated surveys, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), were used to assess postpartum depression. Medical records and prenatal visits were reviewed throughout the pregnancy, and postpartum follow-ups were scheduled to assess maternal outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes between the two groups. Results: Participants in the midwifery-led care group reported significantly higher levels of birth preparedness (p &lt; 0.001), and rates of medical interventions during childbirth, including cesarean sections, were significantly lower compared to the standard care group (p &lt; 0.05). Maternal satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the midwifery-led care group (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the midwifery-led care group showed lower rates of postpartum depression (p &lt; 0.01) and higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum (p &lt; 0.05). Neonates born to mothers in the midwifery-led care group had significantly lower rates of neonatal complications (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide strong evidence for the positive impact of midwifery-led care on maternal outcomes, maternal satisfaction, and newborn health. The personalized and woman-centered approach of midwifery-led care contributes to improved maternal preparedness, reduced medical interventions, increased maternal satisfaction, lower rates of postpartum depression, and better newborn health outcomes. These results highlight the potential benefits of integrating midwifery-led care models into maternity services, aiming to enhance the overall birthing experience and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Drinking Water Contaminant Concentrations and Birth Outcomes.

Previous research in the US has found negative health effects of contamination when it triggers regulatory violations. An important question is whether levels of contamination that do not trigger a health-based violation impact health. We study the impact of drinking water contamination in community water systems on birth outcomes using drinking water sampling results data in Pennsylvania. We focus on the effects of water contamination for births not exposed to regulatory violations. Our most rigorous specification employs mother fixed effects and finds changing from the 10th to the 90th percentile of water contamination (among births not exposed to regulatory violations) increases low birth weight by 12% and preterm birth by 17%.