Water birth in a hospital
How does a water birth work in the hospital?
Wondering, "Can I have a water birth at the hospital?" Here’s what you can expect from the moment you arrive until your baby is born:
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Discuss your wishes beforehand
Procedures differ by hospital. Some offer built-in birth tubs, while others provide inflatable birthing pools that can be used during labour and delivery. Check our partner locator to see where our pools are available near you.
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Arrival at the hospital
When labour begins and you head to the hospital, inform staff that you want awater birth at the hospital. The hospital staff will check availability and prepare the room, sometimes even before you arrive. Your midwife can discuss these specifics with you during pregnancy.
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First stage: dilation
Once your contractions intensify, you can step into the warm birth pool. The soothing water helps ease contractions, making your labour experience more comfortable.
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Birth in water
In many cases, you can stay in the water during delivery. Your midwife or doctor will guide you and perform checks while you remain comfortably in the pool. Sometimes, they'll advise leaving the water shortly before birth for safety reasons.
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After the birth
After your baby is born in the water, you can take some moments to relax together in the pool. Hospital staff will help you exit the pool comfortably when you're ready.
Benefits of a water birth in the hospital
Choosing a hospital water birth has some unique advantages:
Immediate medical support
If any complications arise, trained medical staff and emergency equipment are instantly available.
Comfort and convenience
Hospitals have dedicated rooms with fully-equipped birthing pools ready for you, eliminating the need to arrange things yourself.
Stress reduction
For many women, having medical support close by reduces anxiety and increases confidence during labour, creating a positive birth experience.
Water births for women with medical indications
Wondering if you can still have a water birth at hospital even with specific medical conditions? Sometimes it’s possible. Consult your midwife or gynecologist clearly and early on. They can advise if a hospital water birth is safe and suitable for your individual situation, ensuring you're informed and prepared.
Hospitals offering water birth options
More hospitals across Europe now offer options for a water birth in a hospital. Birthpools collaborates closely with hospitals to ensure comfortable, safe, and hygienic conditions for your hospital water birth.
Some hospitals where you can comfortably and safely have your water birth:
- Amsterdam UMC - Netherlands
- Maasstad Ziekenhuis Rotterdam - Netherlands
- Klinik Oberpullendorf - Austria
- Mater Dei General Hospital - Italy
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Paul - Spain
- GFO Kliniken Niederrhein Standort St. Vinzenz-Hospital - Germany
- Want to find out if your local hospital offers our pools? Use our partner locator to find out!
Costs of a hospital water birth
Some hospitals charge a small fee (around €80–€100) for personal disposables needed for a water birth in a hospital. Your midwife can provide specific information about costs in your region.
Bringing your own birth pool to hospital
Want to guarantee a pool's availability? You may consider buying or renting your own birthing pool. Always discuss this beforehand with your hospital and midwife, as some hospitals have rules about using personal equipment due to hygiene and safety requirements.
Will you choose a water birth in a hospital?
Interested in a water birth at a hospital and still have questions? We're here to help, feel free to contact us for personalized advice!
Prefer another setting for your water birth? Explore our pages about Water Birth at Home or Water Birth in a Birthing Center.