How does a woman know if waterbirth is an option for her pregnancy and birth?
The following criteria are guidelines in helping a woman decide if waterbirth could be the birth plan suited to her needs: • Low risk pregnancy – not complicated by diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple gestation, fetal stress or distress in labor, or other factors that could cause high risk status to the mother or baby during the pregnancy • Normal vital signs during labor • Full term gestation – greater than 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed • Baby is head down in the birth canal and labor has started • Commitment of mother and partner to natural childbirth and waterbirth • No signs of fetal distress on admission to birthing unit and no need for drugs to supplement labor The Cleveland metropolitan area has the availability of waterbirths in a limited number of facilities. Certified nurse midwives are usually supportive of women planning a waterbirth in the hospital setting. Health providers and hospitals are realizing that a gentle approach to childbirth, natural birth, and
