Skip to main content

Water birth - birthing pool

The use of water during labour and birth offers a non-medicinal option for pain relief, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and levels of pain, whilst also supporting the natural progress of labour due to the release of hormones and improved mobility and posture. 

If you have a low-risk pregnancy and labour, then you may wish to consider using the birthing pool during labour and birth. You can also choose to get out of the pool for the birth of your baby. 

You may still be able to use the birthing pool if you have a high-risk pregnancy however this will depend on your individual circumstances. Please speak to your midwife for further advice on whether this birthing method would be suitable for you. 

If you choose to use a birthing pool, you will continue to be monitored closely throughout labour and there may be circumstances where you are advised to leave the pool. You can also use gas and air in the birthing pool, however if you would like to have additional pain relief such as diamorphine then you will need to leave the birthing pool and will not be able to re-enter until at least 2 hours later.

We have birthing pools in our midwifery-led units and delivery suites across North Wales. If you are planning a water birth, please let the midwife know when you first make contact with the unit once your labour starts as we have limited number of birthing pools. 

If you are planning a home birth, you can arrange private hire of a birthing pool, provided you have adequate space. Speak to your midwife for further information on home birth options. 

Further information and resources