The effect of waterbirth on neonatal mortality and morbidity: a systematic review protocol

  • Davies R
  • Davis D
  • Pearce M
  • et al.
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Abstract

The objective of this research is to systematically review the evidence regarding the effect of waterbirth, in comparison to land birth, on the mortality and morbidity of neonates born to low risk women. Background Waterbirth and water immersion in labor are two distinct phenomena; however they are often confounded. Some women use water immersion in labor as a strategy to manage their labor pain but leave the bath prior to the birth of their baby. As the name implies, however, waterbirth occurs when a baby is born underwater. This can happen either intentionally or accidentally, for example when a woman uses water immersion during labor and remains in the water to birth her baby. Although the definitions of waterbirth and water immersion are simple to separate, descriptions of their use during a woman’s labor are often merged.1,2 Given this, it is not surprising that research attempting to describe the benefits and risks of both water immersion and waterbirth is interwoven In many instances, discussion of waterbirth is confused by focusing on the benefits of water immersion for the woman and the risks of waterbirth to the neonate, two separate issues.

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Davies, R., Davis, D., Pearce, M., & Wong, N. (2014). The effect of waterbirth on neonatal mortality and morbidity: a systematic review protocol. JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, 12(7), 89–100. https://doi.org/10.11124/jbisrir-2014-1689

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