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PregnancyHYDROTHERAPYNCT07031635

Hydrotherapy in Labor: Outcomes for Pain, Birth, and Breastfeeding

A study testing Hydrotherapy (Warm Shower) in people with Pregnancy and Latent Phase, run by Selcuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Warm showers are increasingly gaining attention for their positive impact on labor, yet studies on this topic in Turkey remain limited. No previous research has simultaneously evaluated the effects of warm showers on labor pain, duration, emotional state, and breastfeeding. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 49 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Pregnancy, Latent Phase
What is being tested?
Hydrotherapy (Warm Shower)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
100 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Jul 2024to 1 Jan 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 49 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Primiparous women who were expected to give birth vaginally
  • Women who became pregnant spontaneously
  • Women who were in the latent phase of labor upon admission
  • Women who were not given oxytocin
  • Women who were at term (38-42 weeks of gestation)
  • Women who had a single healthy fetus in the vertex position
  • Women who did not have any risk factors (such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, placenta previa, or placental abruption).

Who cannot join

  • Pregnant women with any complications that could cause dystocia during labor (such as contraction abnormalities birth objects, birth canal dystocia, maternal psychological dystocia)
  • Who are unable to move
  • Who cannot speak, read, or understand Turkish
  • Who have communication problems.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Mardin Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi

    Mardin, Midyat, 47100

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effect of Hydrotherapy During Labor on Labor Pain, Duration of Labor, Birth Affectivity, and Breastfeeding

Warm showers are increasingly gaining attention for their positive impact on labor, yet studies on this topic in Turkey remain limited. No previous research has simultaneously evaluated the effects of warm showers on labor pain, duration, emotional state, and breastfeeding. As a simple, economical, accessible, and side-effect-free method, warm showers represent a practical and safe non-pharmacological option for pain relief and comfort during labor. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydrotherapy on labor pain, duration, breastfeeding, and emotional experience during childbirth.

Read the detailed description

Childbirth is an unforgettable and unique experience for women. However, labor can sometimes be painful, challenging, and anxiety-inducing. Severe labor pain can negatively affect a woman's sense of control during labor, causing stress that may impact the health of the mother, fetus, and newborn. Traumatic birth experiences may hinder maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding. Factors such as delivery method, medical interventions, pain, and fatigue can delay the initiation of breastfeeding and complicate the mother's adjustment to her new role. In supportive, intervention-free birth environments, the need for analgesia and oxytocin is reduced, episiotomy rates are lower, maternal emotional experiences improve, and breastfeeding is initiated earlier.

In this context, non-pharmacological methods such as warm showers offer significant advantages during labor. Being easily accessible, economical, and free of side effects, warm showers help relax muscles, improve circulation, reduce labor pain, and support a more positive maternal approach to the birth process. They ease fear and stress, promote comfort, and increase birth satisfaction. Studies indicate that pregnant women find warm showers soothing and often prefer them over analgesics. However, studies in Turkey on this subject are limited, and comprehensive research evaluating the combined effects of warm showers on labor pain, duration, emotional state, and breastfeeding is lacking. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effects of hydrotherapy during labor on these outcomes.

Being tested
Hydrotherapy (Warm Shower)
Keywords
Breast Feeding, Labor, Hydrotherapy, Labor Pain
Medical subject headings
Breast Feeding, Labor Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Hydrotherapy (Warm Shower)Other

    Pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the intervention group received a warm shower once cervical dilation reached 5 cm. Based on their preference, participants either stood or sat during the 30-minute shower.

Study groups in NCT07031635
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
HYDROTHERAPY GroupExperimentalPregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the intervention group received a warm shower once cervical dilation reached 5 cm. Based on their preference, participants either stood or sat during the 30-minute shower. After random assignment, the participants in the intervention group completed the "Informed Consent Form," "Personal Information Form," and the "Visual Analog Scale (VAS)" upon admission to the delivery room. During the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stages of labor, the "Labor Monitoring Form" was used, and the VAS was repeated immediately after the intervention, and again at 30 and 60 minutes. Breastfeeding status was assessed using the LATCH scale within the first two hours after birth, and emotional responses to birth were evaluated using the Labor Affect Scale.
Receives: Other: Hydrotherapy (Warm Shower)
Control groupNo interventionIn the control group, routine hospital procedures were followed, including admission, history-taking, informed consent, recording of vital signs, and connecting the mother to the non-stress test (NST) monitor. No additional intervention was administered. After random assignment, control group participants also completed the "Informed Consent Form," "Personal Information Form," and "Visual Analog Scale" at admission. The "Labor and Postpartum Monitoring Form" was used during the 1st through 4th stages of labor, and the VAS was repeated at 30 and 60 minutes after entering the active phase. Within the first two hours postpartum, breastfeeding was evaluated using the LATCH scale, and emotional responses to birth were assessed using the Labor Affect Scale.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

    The VAS is used to assess the pain felt. On the VAS, the patient marks the location of their pain on a ruler. This ruler is 10 cm long. One end of the ruler indicates no pain, and the other end indicates the most unbearable pain. The use of this scale must be explained very clearly to the pregnant woman. The pregnant woman is told that there are two endpoints on the ruler and that she should mark the point between these two endpoints that best represents the intensity of her pain. The distance between the "no pain" point and the point marked by the pregnant woman is measured in centimeters using the ruler and recorded. This determines the pregnant woman's pain level.

    Measured: First time: Latent phase of labor, Second time: Second stage of labor (the stage in which the baby is born), Third time: Third stage of labor (the stage in which the placenta is born), Forth time: Second hour after birth

  2. Breastfeeding Scoring System (LATCH)

    The LATCH scale is a tool used to assess mothers' breastfeeding behaviors and skills. Developed by Jensen et al. in 1994, it evaluates five key areas: L (Latch onto the breast), A (Audible swallowing), T (Type of nipple), C (Comfort of breast/nipple), and H (Hold/positioning). Each criterion is scored 0 to 2 points, with a total score ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores reflect more effective breastfeeding, while lower scores indicate potential difficulties. The scale's reliability and validity for the Turkish population were confirmed by Koyun (2001) and Okumuş and Yenal (2003). Widely used by healthcare professionals, the LATCH scale helps identify breastfeeding challenges early and supports mothers through education and intervention, promoting better breastfeeding outcomes and bonding.

    Measured: Within the first two hours after birth

  3. Birth Emotion Scale (BES)

    The Birth Emotion Scale (BES), developed by Hodnett in 1987, measures women's emotional experiences during childbirth. Gençalp validated and tested its reliability for the Turkish population in 1998. The scale contains 28 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale with options: "constantly," "frequently," "occasionally," "very rarely," and "never," coded from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate more positive emotions during birth, while lower scores reflect negative emotions. Total scores range from 40 to 140. The Turkish version showed high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87. The BES is widely used in research and clinical settings to assess psychological responses to childbirth and guide supportive care.

    Measured: Within the first two hours after birth

  4. Labor Monitoring Form

    To determine labor stage durations in pregnant women, researchers recorded key time points during labor and delivery. These included hospital arrival, and transitions between labor stages: latent, active, transition phases, birth, placenta delivery, and transfer to the postpartum ward. Timing was measured in minutes for accuracy. The latent phase involves mild contractions and cervical dilation up to 4 cm. The active phase features stronger contractions and dilation from 4 to 7 cm. The transition phase completes dilation to 10 cm. Measuring these stages, along with placenta delivery and postpartum transfer, provides valuable data to assess labor progress, detect abnormalities, and evaluate interventions. This detailed timing supports improved obstetric care tailored to each woman's needs.

    Measured: First time: Latent phase of labor, Second time: Second stage of labor (the stage in which the baby is born), Third time: Third stage of labor (the stage in which the placenta is born), Forth time: Second hour after birth

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Jun 2025
  2. Study start1 Jul 2024
  3. Primary completion1 Jan 2025
  4. Study completion1 Jan 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomized control study: The pilot study was conducted between July 16 and August 15, 2024, with 10 primiparous pregnant women. Hydrotherapy was applied and the usability of data collection forms was assessed. Participants were satisfied with the application, and no revisions to the forms were needed. Intervention Group: When cervical dilation reached 5 cm, participants received a 30-minute warm shower, either standing or sitting based on their preference. Various assessment tools were used throughout labor, including the Visual Analog Scale, Labor Monitoring Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Scale, and Labor Affect Scale. Control Group: Aside from routine hospital procedures, no additional interventions were performed. The same assessment tools were applied during labor and postpartum.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
100 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07031635
Sponsor's protocol ID
2022/1177
Acronym
HYDROTHERAPY
Status last verified
Jun 2025
First submitted
3 Jun 2025
Last updated
1 Jul 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Thomson G, Feeley C, Moran VH, Downe S, Oladapo OT. Women's experiences of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief methods for labour and childbirth: a qualitative systematic review. Reprod Health. 2019 May 30;16(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s12978-019-0735-4.

    PubMed 31146759
  • Price DD, McGrath PA, Rafii A, Buckingham B. The validation of visual analogue scales as ratio scale measures for chronic and experimental pain. Pain. 1983 Sep;17(1):45-56. doi: 10.1016/0304-3959(83)90126-4.

    PubMed 6226917
  • Mallen-Perez L, Roe-Justiniano MT, Colome Ochoa N, Ferre Colomat A, Palacio M, Terre-Rull C. Use of hydrotherapy during labour: Assessment of pain, use of analgesia and neonatal safety. Enferm Clin (Engl Ed). 2018 Sep-Oct;28(5):309-315. doi: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2017.10.004. Epub 2017 Nov 24. English, Spanish.

    PubMed 29239794
  • M. (2018). "Comparing the effects of hot shower and intravenous injection of hyoscine on the pain intensity and duration of active phase of labour in nulliparous women". Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 12(8), QC07-QC11.

  • Henrique AJ, Gabrielloni MC, Rodney P, Barbieri M. Non-pharmacological interventions during childbirth for pain relief, anxiety, and neuroendocrine stress parameters: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Nurs Pract. 2018 Jun;24(3):e12642. doi: 10.1111/ijn.12642. Epub 2018 Mar 7.

    PubMed 29512230
  • ACOG Committee Opinion No. 766: Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Feb;133(2):e164-e173. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003074.

    PubMed 30575638

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Hydrotherapy (Warm Shower) in people with Pregnancy and Latent Phase, run by Selcuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (time frame: First time: Latent phase of labor, Second time: Second stage of labor (the stage in which the baby is born), Third time: Third stage of labor (the stage in which the placenta is born), Forth time: Second hour after birth). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07031635, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Jul 2025.

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