The Effect of Wet Towel Application During Labor on Labor Pain, Comfort, and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study
The Effect of Wet Towel Application During Labor on Labor Pain, Comfort, and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the wet towel method applied during the first stage of labor can reduce labor pain and anxiety and improve childbirth comfort in first-time mothers. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does the wet towel method reduce labor pain? Does the wet towel method improve childbirth comfort? Does the wet towel method reduce anxiety during labor?
Researchers will compare women who receive the wet towel method in addition to routine intrapartum care with women who receive routine intrapartum care alone to determine whether the intervention improves maternal outcomes during labor.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to either the wet towel intervention group or the routine care control group.
Receive the wet towel application for at least 10 minutes during the active phase of the first stage of labor or receive routine intrapartum care only.
Complete assessments of labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of the wet towel method applied during the first stage of labor on labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety levels among primiparous women. Labor pain and anxiety may negatively affect the childbirth experience, prolong labor, and reduce maternal comfort. Although several non-pharmacological methods have been shown to improve maternal outcomes during labor, evidence regarding the effectiveness of the wet towel method remains limited.
The study will be conducted at the Labor and Delivery Unit of Sakarya Training and Research Hospital. Sixty low-risk primiparous pregnant women will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group (wet towel application) or a control group receiving routine intrapartum care. In the intervention group, a clean towel will be placed over the woman's head and shoulders, and warm water (36-38°C) will be gently applied over the towel for at least 10 minutes during the active phase of labor. Participants in both groups will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Primary outcomes include labor pain, childbirth comfort, and anxiety during labor. Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), comfort using the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire, and anxiety using the Anxiety Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women in Labor. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of the wet towel method as a simple, safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention to improve maternal comfort and reduce pain and anxiety during labor.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: