Baby suffered multiple organ failure after birth in heated tub

LONDON, ONT. — A team of doctors says the case of a baby girl who went into multiple organ failure after being born underwater in a hot tub highlights the risks of such births.

The report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal says the eight-day-old infant was admitted to a London, Ont., hospital with fever, poor feeding and fussiness.

She was moved to the intensive care unit that same day with multiple organ failure due to sepsis and spent five weeks on a ventilator.

The baby was started on antibiotics and began to improve, but on the 13th day of her hospital stay, she developed a rash on her limbs.

Tests found the baby was infected with legionella bacteria. This bacteria is typically found in pools and hot springs because they thrive in temperatures between 20 C and 42 C.

Dr. Michelle Barton, the study’s lead author from Western University in London, says the case shows that underwater births may be harmful or even fatal — especially when prefilled, heated pools are used.

A water birth involves an expectant mother being in a pool of warm water for at least a portion of labour.

Supporters say it can be more relaxing for the mother and cause less distress to the infant as it is born into an environment similar to the womb.