Underwater birth study: a splash of relief or just hype?
NCT ID NCT07313319
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study is testing whether giving birth in water (waterbirth) is better than giving birth on land for low-risk pregnancies. Researchers will look at pain relief use, labor length, and safety for both mother and baby. About 230 adults will be randomly assigned to either have the option of a waterbirth or a standard land birth.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- waterbirth (procedure)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that waterbirth is a safe and effective option for pain relief and improving birth experiences for low-risk pregnancies.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (230 participants) and results may not apply to higher-risk pregnancies. Waterbirth carries rare risks like infection or umbilical cord issues.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BIRTH are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of New Mexico
RECRUITINGAlbuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Partnering up for birth: could Couples' classes boost satisfaction and memory?
- Simple back massage or water injection could ease labor pain without drugs
- VR and brain music may take the edge off childbirth
- New study asks: What's it like to give birth with remifentanil?
- Could writing on the wall ease childbirth fears?
- New combo drug may offer safer labor pain relief