Warm Shower Baths: Efficacy on Labor Pain,Birth Experience and Labor Length in Women During the First Labor Stage

• Main Authors: Shu-Ling Lee, 李淑姈
• Other Authors: Meei-Ling Gau
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/60176140482055958959

碩士 === 國立臺北護理健康大學 === 護理助產研究所 === 99 === This study explored the efficacy of warm shower baths on parturition pain, the birth experience and labor length in women during the first stage of labor. Using an experimental research design, researchers randomly assigned a total of 80 women scheduled for vaginal birth at one regional hospital in Northern Taiwan to either the experimental or control group. Subjects in the experimental group received a warm shower bath intervention; Subjects in the control group received routine care. The study recorded subjects’ 4cm and 7cm cervical dilation times, levels of pain after 10 and 20 minutes, overall birth experience, and total length of the first labor stage. Research tools used included a visual analogue scale for pain (VASP) and labor experience scale. Researchers used a chi-square test, independent t test and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to analyze data. Significant findings included: 1) Experimental group subjects returned lower scores for all VASP questions at both 4cm and 7cm cervical dilation. This suggests the effectiveness of warm shower baths in reducing pain in women in labor; 2) Experimental group subjects held a more positive attitude toward the birth experience than their control group peers; and 3) Intervention measures did not impact significantly on the total first labor stage length. Researchers found that, apart from the positive physical hygiene effects, warm shower baths are a cost effective, convenient and easy-to-deploy and operate non-pharmacological approach to reducing pain. This intervention helps women in labor participate fully in the birth process, earn continuous caregiver support, feel cared for and comforted, and have a more positive overall birth experience. Key Words: Warm shower baths, labor pain, birth experience, labor length