ABSTRACT
Some women may feel a therapeutic benefit from immersion during labour, but delivery under water carries uncommon but significant risks to the baby, including drowning, respiratory problems, bleeding from a ruptured cord and the waterborne infection. Women using the birthing pool should be looked after only by midwives who have acquired the requisite skills and confidence. The usual infection control, handling and moving, and health and safety standards apply. Local protocols should be agreed with the microbiology and the relevant governance teams. This includes guidance on the prevention of Legionella build-up in the water supply, particularly in seldomly used pools.
