title: [The two elements air and water. Introduction to the main topic "water birth"].
abstract: Alternative birth methods such as deliveries 'under water' are part of a new concept of individualized obstetrics. Two recent studies from Austria and Switzerland confirm that water deliveries offer a safe and comfortable alternative to deliveries 'in bed' in low-risk pregnancies. The retrospective or prospective observational studies, however, are not randomized studies. Equal results can only be obtained if clear guidelines are worked out and strictly obeyed.
authors.affiliation: Abteilungsleiterin, Universitätsfrauenklinik Basel, Switzerland. ihoesli@uhbs.ch
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hösli
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Holzgreve
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000388:Air; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D036801:Parturition; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water