Waterbirth in Singapore: What You Need to Know
Waterbirth is a birthing option that allows laboring and/or delivering in a warm water pool, which can offer comfort, relaxation, and pain relief. Waterbirth is not widely available in Singapore and is currently offered by one hospital, Thomson Medical Centre, and for home births under the care of a supportive medical team.
“Our water birth at Maia House was amazing. It was our second birth and we wanted to be able to make empowered decisions throughout the process of pregnancy and birth. (...) Years later when we look back, we will always remember how exciting our birth was, how free we felt while birthing, and how beautiful our birthing experience was. ”
Benefits of Waterbirth
Waterbirth has been associated with several potential benefits, including:
Pain relief: Warm water can help reduce labor pain by promoting relaxation and easing muscle tension.
Increased mobility: Being in water allows for greater freedom of movement, which can facilitate labor progression.
Reduced stress: The calming effect of water may help lower stress hormones and promote a smoother labor experience.
Gentler transition for baby: Babies born in water may experience a softer transition from the womb to the outside world.
Who is Eligible for Waterbirth?
Waterbirth may be an option for individuals who:
Have a low-risk pregnancy with no complications.
Are full-term (at least 37 weeks).
Have a single baby in a head-down position.
Have no history of severe pregnancy complications or medical conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
Who Should Avoid Waterbirth?
Waterbirth may not be suitable for individuals who:
Have a high-risk pregnancy, including conditions like placenta previa or fetal distress.
Have an infection that could be transmitted through water.
Are carrying multiples or have a breech-positioned baby.
Experience excessive bleeding during labor.
Require continuous fetal monitoring beyond what is possible in water.
Risks of Waterbirth
While generally considered safe for low-risk pregnancies, waterbirth does carry some risks, including:
Potential for infection if water is not properly maintained.
Risk of umbilical cord snapping if the baby is brought to the surface too quickly.
Possibility of water inhalation, though rare, especially if the baby is not brought out of the water smoothly.
Limited availability of emergency interventions in home settings.
Hospital vs. Home Waterbirth: Key Differences
TMC is currently the only hospital in Singapore offering waterbirth, but eligibility is subject to specific criteria. These may include reaching a certain level of dilation before entering the pool and having no complicating factors as determined by your healthcare provider. Waterbirth within the hospital is available as an add-on package, typically costing upwards of SGD 5,000 on top of standard delivery charges. If you’re considering a hospital waterbirth, it’s essential to check with your provider to understand the requirements and associated costs.
For water births at home, families typically have more flexibility in how they use water during labor. As long as a home birth has been deemed safe by a qualified provider, laboring individuals can enter and exit the water as needed. While there are no standardized costs, home waterbirth expenses vary depending on provider fees, birthing pool rental or purchase, and any additional medical support arranged for the birth.
How to Arrange for a Waterbirth
If you’re considering a waterbirth in Singapore, here are the steps to take:
Consult with a waterbirth-friendly provider – Whether in a hospital or at home, ensuring your medical team supports waterbirth is crucial. Our doulas can help connect you with the right professionals.
Check your eligibility – Have a thorough assessment with your provider to determine if waterbirth is a safe option for you.
Plan for logistics – For a hospital birth, pre-book your waterbirth package with Thomson Medical Centre. For a homebirth, make arrangements for a birthing pool, emergency backup plans, and necessary medical support.
Interested in a Waterbirth? Let’s Talk.
If you’re curious about waterbirth and want to explore whether it’s the right option for you, our doulas are here to guide you. Contact us to book a consultation and learn how to create a safe, empowering birth experience.
Ready to begin? Schedule a 30-minute discovery call with one of our MAIA House doulas here. Let’s explore how we can support your journey.
Our heartfelt note to you:
We’re here to provide thoughtful, well-researched information to support you on your pregnancy and birth journey. However, this content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every pregnancy is unique, and it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your needs.
Our team is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided. If you have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to speak with a trusted medical professional.
