Efficacy of Warm Showers on Labor Pain and Birth Experiences During the First Labor Stage

Hidroterapia e bola suíça no trabalho de parto: ensaio clínico randomizado

“…(11) These interventions can be used alone or in combination, promoting continuous support, maternal well-being, and favoring the evolution of labor. (2,6,9,14) Studies show that using a warm bath during labor is a growing maternal choice intervention. It is related, in a significant way, to a reduction in the need for epidural analgesia, when compared with parturients who did not use it.…”

“…Most studies describe their use alone, and compare effectiveness with other interventions, mainly addressing pain management in labor. (2,5,6,9) They are part of the international policy strategies for caring the women during pregnancy, labor and childbirth. (10,12,13) Their use must be respected and encouraged by professionals who provide care for childbirth, if chosen by the parturient.…”

“…The parturients were instructed to adopt the standing or sitting position for the 30 minute duration of the bath. (2,5,6) The perineal exercise as a therapeutic intervention was performed using the Swiss ball. The parturients were instructed to sit on the ball with their legs flexed, at a 90º angle, knees apart, with the plantar region of the feet resting on the floor, performing movements of propulsion and pelvic rotation for 30 minutes.…”

“…(2)(3)(4) The warm bath, or hydrotherapy, is a non-pharmacological method that uses water heated to 37 o C as a therapeutic object, offering different benefits during labor, such as greater pain tolerance, stress reduction, regulation of uterine contraction pattern, and satisfaction with the labor process, by offering greater autonomy to the woman with regard to her choices, and the possibility for active participation by her companion. (2,(5)(6)(7) The effect of local heat during the bath stimulates redistribution of muscular blood flow, increasing relaxation and comfort. (2,5,8) The cost-effectiveness is good, since it is an easy to access, low cost technique.…”

“…(2,5,8) The cost-effectiveness is good, since it is an easy to access, low cost technique. (6) Perineal exercise with the Swiss ball facilitates the adoption of a vertical posture of the parturient in a comfortable sitting position, promoting well-being and pelvic mobility. (9) It provides relief from pelvic discomfort, and reduces the time to delivery.…”