US professional societies urge women should be warned that water births remain largely untested within the scientific community.
US professional societies urge women should be warned that water births remain largely untested within the scientific community. (Reuters)

More South African parents are choosing to bring their baby into the world with a splash, but is it better than conventional births?


Water births are increasingly popular in South Africa and are billed as a calmer, more natural way to bring your baby into the world. But, decades after the birthing trend first gained notoriety, there is still a lot science doesn’t know about the delivery method that can carry rare but serious associated risks.

Could a water birth be right for you? Bhekisisa helps you weigh up the pros and cons. 

+ posts

Pontsho Pilane is the communications manager at Soul City Institute for Social Justice. Pilane was a health journalist at Bhekisisa from 2017 until 2019.