The Effect of Taking a Shower in Labor on the Birth Satisfaction and Postnatal Comfort

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of showering in labor on the birth satisfaction and maternal postnatal comfort of the mother. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled study model was used in the study. Pregnant women in the active phase of labor were randomly divided into 1:1 experimental and control groups (50+50). The data were collected twice, before and after birth, using the questionnaire form. Prenatal data was collected using the Prenatal Data Collection Form. Data after birth was collected with the Postnatal Data Collection Form, Postnatal Comfort Scale, and Birth Satisfaction Scale. The pregnant women in the experimental group were showered in 37°C water for at least 20 minutes. Student t, Mann Whitney U, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the data. Results: There was no significant difference between the birth satisfaction and postpartum comfort scale scores of the groups (p>0.05). There was a strong relationship between birth satisfaction and postpartum comfort in the experimental group (r=0.68). In the experimental group, postpartum comfort and satisfaction scores were significantly higher in women who did not undergo episiotomy and breastfeed in the first half-hour (p0.05). Conclusion: Although showering in labor did not have a direct effect on birth satisfaction and postpartum comfort, it was found that it can positively affect birth results.

Keywords

• labor
• birth satisfaction
• postpartum comfort
• hydrotherapy