The water birth versus land birth study for pregnant women at low-risk of complications

This study looks at the safety of water births compared to land births. A water birth is when a baby is born while the mother is in a pool of water. This is a small pilot study to test whether a larger, international safety trial is possible. It will look at how both mothers and babies are doing after water versus land births. You may be eligible if: - You are 15 years of age or older - You weigh less than 100 kilograms - You are carrying a single baby - You are in spontaneous labour at full term (37–42 weeks) - Your baby is in the head-down position - Your waters are intact or have broken recently with clear fluid - Your and your baby's observations are normal You may NOT be eligible if: - You are 14 years or younger - You weigh 100 kilograms or more - You are carrying more than one baby, or the baby has died - You have a blood-borne infection (e.g., Hepatitis B, C, or HIV) - Your baby has a major birth defect - You are being induced or planning a caesarean - Your baby is not in the head-down position - The amniotic fluid contains meconium (baby's first stool) - You are requesting an epidural or narcotic pain relief Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.