RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07313319

Trial of Underwater Birth

Trial of Underwater Birth: A Randomized Control Trial

Sponsor

University of New Mexico

Enrollment

230 participants

Start Date

Apr 21, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Birth

Summary

Evaluate maternal perinatal outcomes in adult low-risk laboring people randomized to waterbirth compared to those randomized to birth on land.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

≥18 years of age
Able to speak and understand English or Spanish
Singleton gestation
Vertex presentation
Able to ambulate with no mobility restrictions (i.e., no difficulty getting from seated to standing)
Less than class III obesity (BMI <40 kg/m2) at initiation of prenatal care
Greater than 37 weeks 0 days through and less than 412 completed weeks 6 days gestation with fetus in vertex presentation

Exclusion Criteria7

Active infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HSV outbreak (on prophylaxis acceptable) (GBS positive is acceptable)
Pre-existing medical conditions including heart disease, uncontrolled asthma, preexisting diabetes, chronic hypertension, or activity restrictions
High-risk pregnancy conditions including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm gestation, multiple gestation, gestational diabetes type A2, estimated fetal weight of 5000g for non-diabetics or >4500 for GDM-A1, unstable substance use disorder (i.e. not in remission), placental abruption or other unexplained vaginal bleeding, previous cesarean section, fetal growth restriction (<10th percentile), fetal anomaly, or other neonatal condition that may complicate neonatal transition to extrauterine life.
Existing contraindication to vaginal birth
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
Preterm rupture of membranes (PROM) greater than 24 hours without the start of any labor contractions (those whose have PROM greater than 24 hours but are in labor can continue to be included in the study)
Immediate need for operative delivery at time of admission

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Interventions

PROCEDUREWaterbirth

Those who remain eligible will have an inflatable birthing tub set up in their room and available for them to use as desired. Waterbirth will be performed in adherence to the following protocol endorsed by the American College of Nurse Midwives.