Preparing for a Water Birth
Water Births
High River Hospital offers low-risk patients the opportunity to labour and/or give birth in water.
Our renovated birthing rooms include three spacious birth pools, which can be filled with warm water for labour and, when appropriate, birth. After each use, the pools are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to help reduce the risk of infection.
Labouring in Water
Immersion in warm water can be a comforting option during labour and may help with relaxation and pain management.
You may use the pool during labour when:
Your labour is considered low-risk
Baby does not require continuous fetal monitoring
Your healthcare provider determines that the pool is appropriate for you
A few things to keep in mind:
Water immersion does not work equally well for everyone, and you can leave the pool at any time.
Getting into the pool too early in labour may cause contractions to slow or stop.
Filling and preparing the pool takes approximately 15 minutes.
Giving Birth in Water
Water birth may be an option when your labour remains normal and low-risk and a healthcare provider certified in water birth is available.
Your birth may be attended by a midwife or doctor who is certified in water birth. At times, other healthcare providers may also be present as part of their water birth certification process.
When You Arrive at the Hospital
If you are interested in water labour or water birth, there are a few steps to complete during your pregnancy:
1. Talk to your healthcare provider
Let your care team know you are interested in using the pool when you first attend the clinic and begin discussing your birth plan.
2. Learn about water birth
By approximately 32 weeks, review the recommended water birth resources provided by your care team.
3. Listen and learn
We recommend listening to the 33-minute podcast about water birth and water immersion during labour.
4. Discuss your options
Talk with a midwife or water birth-trained doctor about the benefits, risks and requirements for using the birth pool.
5. Complete your consent form
You will be asked to sign a water birth consent form confirming that you understand the benefits and risks. This will be kept with your medical chart along with your birth plan.
When you come to the hospital in labour, your healthcare team will assess your labour and discuss whether using the pool is appropriate and safe for you and your baby at that time.
Your safety and your baby's safety always come first, and your care team will work with you to determine the best option for your labour and birth.