Warm showers during labor: a soothing strategy for pain relief?

NCT ID NCT05335681

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Gulhane School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether taking a 20-minute warm shower (37°C) during early labor can reduce pain and increase birth satisfaction. 78 pregnant women were split into two groups: one received warm showers at 4 cm and 7 cm cervical dilation, while the other received standard care. Pain was measured before and after the shower using a visual scale. The goal was to see if this simple, non-drug approach could make labor more comfortable and improve the birth experience.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: warm showers (37°C water applied to sacral area, lower abdomen, and groin)
What this could lead to: If effective, warm showers could offer a simple, drug-free way to ease labor pain and improve birth satisfaction.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with 78 participants, so results may not apply to all women. Warm showers may not reduce pain for everyone and cannot replace medical care if complications arise.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Labor Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACTIVE PHASE FIRST STAGE OF LABOR LABOR PREGNANCY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Öznur Hayat Öktem

Karabük, Turkey (Türkiye)

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