"Exploring Water Birth in the Scottish Central Belt: Dive into Your Options!"

So, you’ve got a little one on the way and you’re thinking about a water birth in Scotland. Let’s dive in (pun intended!) to why using a birth pool might be worth considering and what local options are available in Edinburgh, Glasgow, West Lothian, and beyond.

Edinburgh Royal Infirmary

Why Choose a Water Birth?

Using water during labour has some well-documented benefits. Research shows it can:

• Make contractions feel less intense

• Reduce the need for other pain relief

• Potentially shorten labour time

• Increase your chance of a straightforward vaginal birth

Many parents also describe water immersion as making labour more manageable, calm, and even enjoyable. When you’re in water, buoyancy supports your body, helping you feel lighter and more mobile. Warm water promotes relaxation, encourages endorphin release (your natural painkillers), and boosts oxytocin - the hormone that drives labour and helps you feel calm and safe.

Local Options for Water Birth in Scotland

Home Birth with a Pool

If you’re planning a home birth, you can hire or buy a birth pool through providers such as Birth Pool in a Box or The Water Stork.

Things to consider:

• Is there space for the pool and your midwife to move around? - you in the pool and your midwife around the outside.

• Is the floor strong enough to take the weight of the pool?

• Are electrical sockets and water supply accessible?

Some parents buy a second-hand pool and add a new liner.

NHS Lothian has reported an increase in home water births with 12 in September 2023 alone.

Hospital & Birth Centre Pools

If home birth isn’t your thing, there are excellent facilities across the Central Belt:

• Edinburgh Royal Infirmary – pools available in two labour rooms.

• St John’s Hospital, Livingston – three labour rooms with pools.

• The Birth Centre, Edinburgh – six ergonomic pools in a homely environment.

• Forth Valley Royal – two pools in their alongside midwifery unit.

• Wishaw General – two pool rooms.

• The Victoria, Fife – birthing pools available.

• Glasgow hospitals – also equipped with pools.

• 
  

Birth Centre Edinburgh

Common Questions About Water Birth

Am I Guaranteed a Pool?

Unfortunately, no. Pools are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and some hospitals have criteria for use. Always let your midwife know your wishes when you call in. If a pool isn’t available, baths and showers can also provide comfort and pain relief.

Do I Have to Give Birth in the Pool?

Not at all. Many parents use the pool for labour but choose to birth “on land.” Pool rooms usually also include mats, birth balls, and beds, so you can change position easily.

Can My Midwife Do All the Checks?

Yes. Midwives can monitor your baby’s heart rate and your wellbeing while you’re in the pool. If needed, they may ask you to step out, but otherwise most routine checks can be done in water.

Can I Use Other Pain Relief?

Yes. Gas & air (entonox) can be used in the pool, and you can combine water immersion with hypnobirthing, aromatherapy, massage, or relaxation techniques.

What Do I Wear in the Pool?

Whatever you feel comfortable in - bikini, tankini, bra, or nothing at all. There’s no “right” choice.

Forth Valley

What Does the Science Say?

Evidence backs up the benefits of water immersion:

• Burns et al. (2022): Water immersion significantly reduced use of epidurals, opioids, episiotomies, pain scores and postpartum haemorrhage — while increasing maternal satisfaction and chance of an intact perineum.

• 
  

• Lukasse et al. (2014): In a review of 16,577 women, water immersion reduced transfers from home or midwife-led units, lowered caesarean section rates, and increased the chance of a straightforward birth.

For further reading, Dr Sara Wickham has an excellent collection of resources on water birth.

Wishaw General - Credit Wishaw General Maternity

Final Thoughts

A water birth in Scotland can be a calm, empowering experience whether at home in Linlithgow, in the Birth Centre in Edinburgh, or in hospital units across Glasgow, Forth Valley or West Lothian.

Pools may not always be guaranteed, but even labouring in water offers proven benefits for pain relief, mobility, and relaxation.

St Johns, Livingston

👉 Want to explore more? I cover water birth options in my in-person antenatal courses in Linlithgow, West Lothian helping you understand your choices and prepare with confidence.

Looking for antenatal classes in West Lothian? Join my relaxed, small group courses in Linlithgow, where we discuss water birth, pain relief, and real-life birth options.