Reviriego-Rodrigo, E., Ibargoyen-Roteta, N., Carreguí-Vilar, S., Mediavilla-Serrano, L., Uceira-Rey, S., Iglesias-Casás, S., Martín-Casado, A., Toledo-Chávarri, A., Ares-Mateos, G., Montero-Carcaboso, S., Castelló-Zamora, B., Burgos-Alonso, N., Moreno-Rodríguez, A., Hernández-Tejada, N., & Koetsenruyter, C. (2023). Experiences of water immersion during childbirth: a qualitative thematic synthesis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23(1).Experiences of water immersion during childbirth: a qualitative thematic synthesis. - Document - Gale Academic OneFile
This study examines women’s experiences with water immersion during labor and childbirth. The authors identify three major themes: reasons for choosing water birth, perceived benefits, and barriers/facilitators.
Unlike Schuman 2006 water birth article, which stresses caution due to limited neonatal evidence, this qualitative synthesis highlights perceived benefits from the patient perspective rather than uncertainty. It also aligns with McKinney et al. 2024 meta-analysis on water birth by reinforcing that many women perceive real benefits, even if risks still require evaluation. Overall, it strengthens the argument that patients tend to have positive experiences with water births.