Evaluate maternal perinatal outcomes in adult low-risk laboring people randomized to waterbirth compared to those randomized to birth on land.
The proposed randomized control trial will be approached as a pilot study to explore or test (if sample size permits) our hypotheses. Primary outcome: Use of epidural anesthesia during labor and vaginal birth. Secondary outcomes: Use of IV narcotics in labor, duration of active labor, mode of delivery, composite maternal adverse outcomes (see below), use of intermittent auscultation (IA), composite neonatal adverse outcomes (see below), United States Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (US-BSS-R), use of epidural analgesia during labor (full intention-to-treat analysis).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
230
Those who remain eligible will have an inflatable birthing tub set up in their room and available for them to use as desired. Waterbirth will be performed in adherence to the following protocol endorsed by the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Epidural Anesthesia
Evaluate the epidural anesthesia rate in adult low-risk laboring people randomized to have the option of waterbirth compared to those randomized to birth on land.
Time frame: Labor and delivery
IV Narcotic Use
Use of IV narcotics in labor
Time frame: Labor and delivery
Active Labor Duration
duration of active labor
Time frame: Labor and delivery
Delivery Mode
Mode of delivery
Time frame: Labor and delivery
Maternal Adverse Outcomes
Composite maternal adverse outcomes
Time frame: Up to 2 weeks postpartum
Intermittent Auscultation (IA)
Use of intermittent auscultation (IA)
Time frame: Labor and delivery
Neonatal Adverse Outcomes
Composite neonatal adverse outcomes
Time frame: Up to 2 weeks postpartum
United States Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (US-BSS-R)
Satisfaction with birth experience
Time frame: 3 days to 2 weeks postpartum
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