Comparison of Natural Delivery Indexes in Two Ways of Labor in Water and Routine Delivery

Abstract

Background: One of the main problems of women during childbirth is fear of labor pain; so far, different ways to reduce it have been recommended. The aim of this study was to compare normal labor indexes in two methods of delivery of labor in water and routine delivery. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 180 pregnant women were enrolled. The first group (n = 90) from the beginning of the active phase of labor, entered the water of 37°C, and the second group (90 women) gave birth in the usual manner on dry basis. The two groups were evaluated for pain severity, satisfaction, and complications during and after delivery. Findings: The mean of labor pain severity in the two groups of delivery in water and dry was 7.12 ± 1.42 and 7.87 ± 1.33, respectively, and the severity of pain in the group of water was lower (P = 0.001). Moreover, the delivery group in water had higher satisfaction, so that in the delivery group in water, 9.6% were completely satisfied and 45.2% were satisfied, and in the routine delivery group, 1.2% were completely satisfied and 30.6% satisfied (P = 0.007). Conclusion: Natural delivery in water has been accompanied by a reduction in lower birth rates and more satisfaction of the patients. On the other hand, delivery in water has no effect on the increase of postpartum complications. Moreover, delivery in water, in addition to reducing the delivery, has many other advantages, including lower power loss of pelvic floor muscles.

Keywords

• Obstetric labor
• Labor pain
• Labor complications