Position Statement: Immersion in Water during Labor and Birth

The American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) member birth centers have read with concern the recently released ACOG/AAP Committee Opinion, “Immersion in Water during Labor and Delivery”. AABC agrees that published randomized controlled trials provide evidence demonstrating the benefits of immersion in water during the first stage of labor; however, the committee opinion does not reflect currently available best evidence for the use of water during second stage and for birth. Consequently, the document has the potential to introduce inappropriate fear about the safety of water birth for families, providers, facility administrators, insurers, and others who want to make informed decisions regarding immersion in water for labor and birth.