[Aspiration of water during underwater birth].

BACKGROUND: Underwater birth is becoming increasingly popular because of the advantages for the mother. Women who deliver in this way feel less pain and therefore pain relief is less frequently needed during the delivery. But what seems to be forgotten is the fact that aspiration of water by the neonate could take place during an underwater birth, resulting in respiratory distress.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A one-day-old neonate was admitted because of tachypnoea following underwater delivery at home. The respiratory rate of the neonate was one hundred breaths per minute without evident signs of dyspnoea. Chest radiography showed bilateral patches on the lungs consistent with aspiration of bathwater. After seven days of intravenous antibiotic treatment, the neonate recovered and could be discharged home.

CONCLUSION: An underwater birth may cause respiratory problems in the neonate. If a pregnant woman wants to deliver under water, she should also be advised of the potential detrimental consequences for the neonate.