Effect of hot shower application on pain anxiety and comfort in the first stage of labor: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

We conducted a randomized controlled study of the effects of a hot shower on pain, anxiety, and comfort during the first stage of labor. Our sample included 104 primigravidas. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of duration of labor, yet the transition phase time of the experimental group was lower compared to the control group. Also, the pain and scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than the control group in 4, 5-7, and 8-10 cm dilatation. In addition, the total comfort score of the experimental group was higher than the control group. We determined that the application of a hot shower in the first stage of labor reduces pain and anxiety has a positive effect on birth comfort and shortens the transition phase time.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the hospital staff and all pregnant women and their families who participated in our study.

Author contribution

AT and AE participated in the study design. AT data collection. AT and AE analysis. AE supervised the whole study process and critically reviewed the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.