The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review

Aleyna Yıldız; Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan

doi:10.38058/ijsl.1941274

The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes in the light of current evidence.

Methods: This systematic review examines the current literature on maternal and neonatal outcomes of immersionband water birth. The literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. The systematic review included randomized controlled trials and prospective and retrospective cohort studies published in English or Turkish between 2012 and 2026. A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

Results: The reviewed studies indicate that water birth enhances maternal relaxation through the effects of buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure, reduces pain perception, and supports the elasticity of perineal tissues, thereby contributing to the physiological progression of labour. This method has been reported to reduce the need for pharmacological analgesia, increase maternal satisfaction with childbirth, and encourage women’s active participation in the birth process. With regard to maternal outcomes, water birth appears to be associated with lower rates of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears, anal sphincter injuries, episiotomy, and postpartum haemorrhage. In terms of neonatal outcomes, no significant adverse differences have been identified between water birth and conventional birth methods with respect to Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, or the incidence of neonatal infections. However, the risk of umbilical cord avulsion during water birth remains controversial in the literature. Although rare cases have been reported, this complication is considered to have a low incidence.

Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that there is no strong indication that water birth has adverse effects on maternal or neonatal outcomes. When appropriate candidate selection is ensured and evidence-based midwifery care is provided, water birth may be considered a safe birth option for both mothers and neonates.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Midwifery

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Aleyna Yıldız ^*
0000-0003-0151-3636
Türkiye

Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan
0000-0002-8748-0793
Türkiye

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 30, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 15, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.38058/ijsl.1941274

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA88UK36RU

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Yıldız, A., & Yılmaz Esencan, T. (2026). The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review. International Journal of Science Letters, 8(1), 44-54. https://doi.org/10.38058/ijsl.1941274

AMA

1.Yıldız A, Yılmaz Esencan T. The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review. IJSL. 2026;8(1):44-54. doi:10.38058/ijsl.1941274

Chicago

Yıldız, Aleyna, and Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan. 2026. “The Effects of Water Immersion and Water Birth on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review”. International Journal of Science Letters 8 (1): 44-54. https://doi.org/10.38058/ijsl.1941274.

EndNote

Yıldız A, Yılmaz Esencan T (September 1, 2026) The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review. International Journal of Science Letters 8 1 44–54.

IEEE

[1]A. Yıldız and T. Yılmaz Esencan, “The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review”, IJSL, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 44–54, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.38058/ijsl.1941274.

ISNAD

Yıldız, Aleyna - Yılmaz Esencan, Tuğba. “The Effects of Water Immersion and Water Birth on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review”. International Journal of Science Letters 8/1 (September 1, 2026): 44-54. https://doi.org/10.38058/ijsl.1941274.

JAMA

1.Yıldız A, Yılmaz Esencan T. The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review. IJSL. 2026;8:44–54.

MLA

Yıldız, Aleyna, and Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan. “The Effects of Water Immersion and Water Birth on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review”. International Journal of Science Letters, vol. 8, no. 1, Sept. 2026, pp. 44-54, doi:10.38058/ijsl.1941274.

Vancouver

1.Aleyna Yıldız, Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan. The effects of water immersion and water birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review. IJSL. 2026 Sep. 1;8(1):44-5. doi:10.38058/ijsl.1941274