Introduction

Waterbirth has been increasing in popularity in Mexico City. Hospital Center Nuevo Sanatorio Durango in Mexico City is the pioneer hospital offering water births to women. To date, no studies have been done on the conduct of waterbirths in Mexico.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate if water immersion during delivery is associated with increased rates of perineal trauma as compared with conventional vaginal deliveries.

Material and methods

Clinical records of women who birthed underwater at Hospital Center Sanatorio Durango in Mexico City between 2016 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes of interest were estimated perineal trauma, third or fourth degree. Outcomes were compared against a matched control group of women who had conventional vaginal deliveries.

Results

Records of 120 women who birthed underwater were accrued. There was a significant difference in maternal outcomes in perineal trauma in water birth: higher rates of intact perineums in women who birth underwater, proposing that water birth is protective against perineal trauma.

Conclusions

Water birth at our center does not appear to be associated with an increased incidence of adverse maternal outcomes (perineal trauma). The results of this study supported water birth as a birthing option for groups of low-risk women in an obstetrician led setting with good midwifery support.