Actively Recruiting
Trial of Underwater Birth: A Randomized Control Trial
Led by University of New Mexico · Updated on 2026-04-23
230
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
39 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating maternal and newborn outcomes in adult pregnant people considered low risk during labor. The study compares waterbirth with traditional birth on land to understand differences in key outcomes such as use of epidural anesthesia and vaginal birth rates. This pilot randomized control trial aims to explore these effects with a focus on safety and satisfaction. Participants are assigned to one of two groups. Those in the land birth group receive usual care and may use water for pain relief during early labor but will exit the water before pushing. The waterbirth group uses an inflatable birthing tub following a protocol endorsed by nurse midwives. Eligibility is reassessed continuously during labor to ensure safety for waterbirth. During the study, researchers monitor use of epidural anesthesia, IV narcotics, labor duration, delivery method, and maternal and newborn health outcomes up to two weeks after birth. They also assess birth satisfaction with a specialized scale within two weeks postpartum. Participants receive ongoing evaluations during labor and after delivery, with the trial running until December 2028.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Trial of Underwater Birth
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years of age or older
- Able to speak and understand English or Spanish
- Pregnant with a single baby in head-down position
- Able to walk without difficulty moving from sitting to standing
- Body mass index (BMI) less than 40 kg/m2 at start of prenatal care
- Between 37 weeks 0 days and less than 42 weeks 6 days of pregnancy at labor admission
- Normal blood pressure and temperature at labor admission
You will not qualify if you...
- Active infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C, current herpes outbreak (except if on prophylaxis)
- Pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease, uncontrolled asthma, diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, or mobility restrictions
- High-risk pregnancy conditions including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm labor, multiple babies, gestational diabetes type A2, very large estimated fetal weight, unstable substance use disorder, placental issues, prior cesarean section, fetal growth restriction, fetal anomalies
- Any existing reason that prevents vaginal birth
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid at labor admission
- Premature rupture of membranes over 24 hours without labor starting
- Immediate need for operative delivery upon labor admission
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) prior to labor admission
Duration - Until delivery (typically hours to a day)
Participants are admitted for labor and delivery. Those randomized to the Waterbirth group will have an inflatable birthing tub set up in their room and may use it as desired following a specific protocol. Participants in the Land Birth group receive usual care without waterbirth during delivery.
1 labor and delivery visit
Duration - Up to 2 weeks postpartum
Participants are monitored for maternal and neonatal outcomes, including adverse events, and complete a birth satisfaction survey.
Approximately 2 visits postpartum over 2 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87131
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Family Planning Research
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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