NCT07571785

Brief Summary

This study examined whether showering during labor affects pain, anxiety, comfort, satisfaction, and labor outcomes in women undergoing vaginal birth. Non-pharmacological methods are commonly used to support women during labor, and warm showering may help reduce discomfort and emotional distress during the labor process. In this randomized controlled trial, pregnant women in active labor were assigned either to a shower group or to a control group receiving routine labor care. Women in the shower group were allowed to shower during labor under standardized conditions, while the control group received routine intrapartum care without showering. Pain and anxiety levels were assessed repeatedly during labor, while comfort and birth satisfaction were evaluated during and after birth using validated measurement tools. The results of this study aim to contribute to evidence-based intrapartum care practices by evaluating the role of showering as a supportive intervention during labor.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
94

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Mar 2022

Shorter than P25 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

March 1, 2022

Completed
6 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

August 30, 2022

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

August 30, 2022

Completed
3.4 years until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

February 6, 2026

Completed
3 months until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

May 6, 2026

Completed
Last Updated

May 6, 2026

Status Verified

April 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

6 months

First QC Date

February 6, 2026

Last Update Submit

April 30, 2026

Conditions

LaborChildbirth

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Labor Pain Intensity

    Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during labor.

    Every 2 hours during labor (up to 8 hours) and immediately before and after each shower session during the same labor admission.

Secondary Outcomes (6)

  • Anxiety Level During Labor

    Every 2 hours during labor (up to 8 hours) and immediately before and after each shower session during the same labor admission.

  • Maternal Comfort During Labor

    At 10 minutes after the first shower session during active labor

  • Birth Satisfaction

    2 hours postpartum.

  • Duration of Labor

    From admission to the labor unit until delivery.

  • Mode of Delivery

    At delivery.

  • +1 more secondary outcomes

Study Arms (2)

Shower During Labor

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants were allowed to shower during active labor (cervical dilation \>5 cm) in a private bathroom within the labor room. Showering was permitted at the participant's preference, for at least 20 minutes per session, with water temperature maintained between 35-40°C. Safety measures were implemented, including accompaniment by a companion or researcher.

Behavioral: Showering During Labor

Control: Routine Labor Care

NO INTERVENTION

Participants received routine intrapartum care without showering during labor.

Interventions

Showering During LaborBEHAVIORAL

Participants were allowed to shower during active labor (cervical dilation \>5 cm) in a private bathroom within the labor room. Showering was permitted at the participant's preference, for at least 20 minutes per session, with water temperature maintained between 35-40°C. Safety measures were implemented, including accompaniment by a companion or researcher.

Shower During Labor

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years+
Sexfemale
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Women admitted to the labor unit during the study period
  • Term pregnancy (37-41 weeks)
  • Planned vaginal birth
  • Cervical dilation greater than 5 cm
  • Volunteered to participate and provided informed consent

You may not qualify if:

  • Inability to communicate in Turkish
  • Hearing or mental health conditions
  • Conversion from vaginal birth to cesarean section
  • Age under 18 years
  • High-risk pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancy, placental abnormalities)
  • Use of epidural anesthesia

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

State Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Istanbul

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE CARE
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
phD

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

February 6, 2026

First Posted

May 6, 2026

Study Start

March 1, 2022

Primary Completion

August 30, 2022

Study Completion

August 30, 2022

Last Updated

May 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

TU(1)