Waterbirths
and Tearing: Comment in: * J Perinat Med. 2004;32(4):306-7.
Waterbirths compared with landbirths: an observational study of nine years. Geissbuehler V, Stein S, Eberhard J. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantonal Hospital, Frauenfeld, Switzerland. verena.geissbuehler@stgag.ch AIMS:
This study compares neonatal and maternal morbidity and
mortality between waterbirths and landbirths (spontaneous
singleton births in cephalic presentation, vacuum extractions
are excluded). METHODS: In this observational study covering
nine years, standardized questionnaires were used to document
9,518 spontaneous singleton cephalic presentation births,
of which 3,617 were waterbirths and 5,901 landbirths. RESULTS:
Landbirths show higher rates of episiotomies as well as
third and fourth degree perineal lacerations. |