Choosing where and how you’d like to give birth is an important part of preparing for your baby’s arrival. You might be considering giving birth in hospital, at a birth centre or at home, and perhaps you’ve wondered whether a waterbirth could be right for you.
Many people find warm water soothing during pregnancy. A bath can help ease an aching back or simply give you a chance to relax, and water can offer similar comfort during labour.
But using a birth pool isn’t just about relaxation. It can also help you move more freely, find comfortable positions and manage the intensity of contractions.
You don’t have to decide now whether you’ll actually give birth in the water. You can use a pool during labour and get out to have your baby, or you might decide to stay in for the birth.
What’s the Difference Between Labouring in Water and Having a Waterbirth?
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference.
Labouring in water means spending part of your labour in a warm bath or birthing pool. You might use the water during early labour or stay in as contractions become stronger, before getting out to give birth.
A waterbirth means your baby is actually born while you’re in the birthing pool.
You can benefit from using water during labour without having a waterbirth.
NICE recommends offering the opportunity to labour in water for pain relief. Updated guidance also recommends considering waterbirth for people with an uncomplicated pregnancy involving one baby at term, following a discussion about the benefits and risks.
What Are the Benefits of Using Water During Labour?
Research suggests that using water during labour can reduce the need for some other forms of pain relief, although experiences vary and it won’t remove the pain of contractions completely.One of the things people often appreciate about being in water is how much lighter they feel.
As your bump gets bigger, moving around can become more uncomfortable. The buoyancy of the water supports your body, making it easier to change position without putting as much pressure on your joints and pelvis.
You might find it comfortable to kneel, lean forwards over the edge of the pool or rest in a supported position between contractions.
Warm water can also help you relax and make contractions feel more manageable.
Some people find that being in the pool gives them a greater sense of privacy and control. Having a space where you feel comfortable can make a real difference to how you experience labour.
Is It Safe to Give Birth in Water?
For people with an uncomplicated pregnancy and a single baby at term, current evidence is generally reassuring.
NICE reviewed research on waterbirth and updated its recommendations in November 2025.
The research suggests that waterbirth is not associated with an increased risk of most serious complications for the person giving birth or their baby. Some outcomes, including severe perineal tearing in people who have given birth before, may be less likely with waterbirth.
However, the evidence isn’t perfect. Much of it comes from observational studies, so it cannot prove that waterbirth itself causes better outcomes.
There are also some risks that need to be discussed, including a higher chance of the umbilical cord snapping before it is clamped, known as cord avulsion. This is uncommon, but it is one reason why your midwife will take care when bringing your baby to the surface.
Your midwife should explain the benefits and risks in a way that helps you decide whether waterbirth is right for you.
Can Anyone Have a Waterbirth?
Not everyone will be advised to give birth in water, although more people may be able to use a pool during labour than they initially expect.
Your maternity team will consider your individual circumstances, including:
- How many weeks pregnant you are.
- Whether you’re expecting one baby or more.
- Your baby’s position.
- Your medical history and any pregnancy complications.
- Whether your baby needs continuous monitoring.
- How your labour is progressing.
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, have had a previous caesarean birth or are having your labour induced, it doesn’t automatically mean you cannot use water.
It does mean your maternity team will need to discuss your circumstances and whether using a pool is suitable and can be supported safely.
Different maternity units may have different facilities and local arrangements, so it’s worth asking about your options during pregnancy.
Can I Still Have Pain Relief in the Pool?
Yes. Warm water is a form of pain relief in itself, but you can also use gas and air, known as Entonox, while you’re in the pool.
You can use breathing techniques, relaxation, massage and support from your birth partner too.
If you decide you would like an epidural, you’ll need to leave the pool. This is because an epidural affects sensation and movement and requires additional monitoring.
You will also usually need to leave the pool if you choose opioid pain relief that can make you drowsy.
It’s absolutely fine to change your mind about pain relief during labour. Choosing a waterbirth doesn’t mean you have to manage without other options.
How Warm Is the Water?
The water should feel comfortably warm, but not too hot.
NICE advises that the temperature of the water should not exceed 37.5°C.
Your midwife will check the temperature of both you and the water regularly, usually every hour, to make sure you’re comfortable and not becoming too hot.
You can also ask for the temperature to be adjusted if the water feels uncomfortable.
How Will My Baby Be Monitored?
Your baby’s heartbeat still needs to be monitored while you’re in the pool.
If you have an uncomplicated labour, your midwife will usually listen to your baby’s heartbeat at regular intervals using a waterproof handheld device.
Some maternity units also have waterproof equipment that allows continuous electronic monitoring when it is needed.
Your midwife will explain what monitoring is recommended for you and whether it can be carried out safely while you’re in the water.
If there are concerns about your baby’s heartbeat or your labour, you may be advised to leave the pool for further assessment.
How Does My Baby Breathe During a Waterbirth?
This is one of the questions we hear most often.
While your baby is in the womb, they receive oxygen through the placenta and umbilical cord rather than breathing air into their lungs.
During a waterbirth, your baby continues to receive oxygen through the placenta until they are born and make the transition to breathing.
There are normal physiological responses that help protect babies during birth, but these aren’t a guarantee that a baby cannot breathe or gasp underwater.
This is why careful monitoring, appropriate water temperature and safe birth techniques are so important.
Once your baby is born, they should be brought gently and promptly to the surface, with their face kept clear of the water.
Your midwife will guide you through this.
After your baby’s face has been brought above the surface, it should not be submerged again.
If you and your baby are well, you may be able to hold your baby against your chest straight away.
Your midwife will help you bring your baby safely to the surface and assess how they’re adapting after birth.
You may be able to enjoy skin-to-skin contact while still in the pool, depending on your circumstances and your maternity service’s procedures.
Your midwife will also discuss the birth of the placenta and whether you need to leave the pool for this.
If you choose to have medication to help deliver the placenta, you will usually be advised to get out of the water.
Why Might I Be Asked to Leave the Pool?
Sometimes your midwife may recommend getting out of the pool during labour or birth.
This might happen if:
- There are concerns about your baby’s heartbeat.
- You develop a temperature or feel unwell.
- You have significant vaginal bleeding.
- Your labour isn’t progressing as expected.
- You need additional monitoring or medical care.
- You decide you would like an epidural or another form of pain relief that cannot be given in the pool.
- An urgent situation develops that requires you to move to a bed.
Your midwife should explain what’s happening and why they are recommending a change.
You can also choose to get out simply because you no longer feel comfortable.
Using a pool doesn’t mean you have committed to staying there until your baby is born.
Can I Have a Waterbirth at Home?
If you’re planning a home birth, you may be able to hire or buy a birthing pool.
Speak to your community midwife well before your due date so you can discuss whether a home waterbirth is suitable for you and what arrangements need to be made.
You’ll need to think about practical things such as:
- Having enough space for the pool and for midwives to move around it.
- Access to clean water.
- How long the pool takes to fill.
- Maintaining a safe water temperature.
- Protecting the floor and arranging safe drainage.
- Having a plan if you need to leave the pool or transfer to hospital.
Your midwife can explain what your local home birth service provides and what you would need to arrange yourself.
What If I Want to Try Water but I’m Not Sure About Giving Birth in It?
That’s completely fine.
You might enjoy being in the pool during early labour but decide you would rather get out as contractions become stronger.
Or you might initially plan to use the pool just for pain relief and then feel comfortable staying in for the birth.
There is no right or wrong decision.
You can also benefit from warm water without using a birthing pool. A bath or shower can be helpful during early labour, particularly if you’re at home.
The important thing is having access to information and support so you can make choices that feel right for you.
Planning for a Waterbirth
If you’re considering a waterbirth, talk to your midwife during pregnancy rather than waiting until labour begins.
Ask whether your chosen place of birth has birthing pools, whether they are usually available and whether there is anything in your pregnancy history that might affect your options.
It can help to include your preference for using water in your birth plan, while keeping an open mind about how things may unfold.
You might also want to discuss how your birth partner can support you, which positions you could try and what would happen if you needed to leave the pool.
Water can be a really helpful way of managing labour, but it isn’t something you have to enjoy or continue using if it doesn’t feel right.
Your birth preferences can change, and your maternity team should support you in making informed decisions throughout.
If you’d like to explore your options for labour and birth, our Complete Antenatal Course covers choosing where to give birth, pain relief, birth positions and what to expect during labour.
References
- NICE. Intrapartum care (NG235). Updated recommendations on labouring in water and waterbirth, November 2025.
- NICE. Benefits and risks of birth out of water and waterbirth. Appendix D, updated 2026.
- NICE. Intrapartum care: rationale and impact. Evidence review and recommendations on waterbirth.
- NHS. Pain relief in labour.
- NHS. The stages of labour and birth.
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
Next review due: 9 October 2028