Delivery Care, Pregnancy
Conditions
Brief summary
Study Design This study is a quasi-experimental research designed to examine the effects of massage and warm shower-used as non-pharmacological methods during labor-on birth satisfaction, maternal comfort, and breastfeeding success. tudy Population The study was conducted in the delivery unit of a public hospital in Turkey in 2025. The sample consisted of women who were experiencing their first pregnancy and giving birth for the first time. Inclusion criteria were as follows: Between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, Low-risk, singleton pregnancies, Planned for vaginal delivery, No significant obstetric complications during pregnancy, Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned into three groups: Massage Group (n=430): Received massage during labor. Shower Group (n=40): Took a warm shower during labor. Control Group (n=40): Received routine standard hospital care without any additional intervention. Data Collection Tools Data were collected using the following instruments: Personal Information Form Birth Satisfaction Scale Birth Comfort Scale Breastfeeding Success Scale Intervention Massage Group: During the active phase of labor (cervical dilation of 4-7 cm), participants received 15-minute sessions of light-pressure massage to the lower back, sacrum, and lumbar area at regular intervals. Shower Group: During the same phase, participants were assisted to take a warm shower for approximately 20 minutes. Control Group: Received routine intrapartum care with no additional non-pharmacological intervention
Detailed description
Before the intervention (baseline during early labor), Immediately after birth (for comfort and satisfaction), Within the first 2 hours postpartum (for breastfeeding success).
Interventions
OTHERMassage
During the active phase of labor (cervical dilation of 4-7 cm), participants received 15-minute sessions of light-pressure massage to the lower back, sacrum, and lumbar area at regular intervals.
OTHERShower
During the same phase, participants were assisted to take a warm shower for approximately 20 minutes.
Sponsors
Sakarya University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
19 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, Low-risk, singleton pregnancies, Planned for vaginal delivery, No significant obstetric complications during pregnancy, Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
\-
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Satisfaction | up to 3 months | Evaluated using the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), which measures a mother's satisfaction with her labor and delivery experience (The scale is a 30-item Likert-type scale. The lowest possible score is 30, and the highest is 150. A higher score indicates higher birth satisfaction.). The scale includes multiple dimensions such as quality of care, personal attributes, and stress experienced during labor. 25 September, 2025-15 December, 2025 |
| Maternal Comfort | up to 3 months | Maternal Comfort: Assessed through the Birth Comfort Scale, which evaluates physical, emotional, and environmental aspects of comfort experienced by the mother during labor (The scale is a 34-item Likert-type scale. The lowest possible score is 34, and the highest is 170. A higher score indicates higher postpartum comfort). 25 September, 2025-15 December, 2025 |
| Breastfeeding Success: | Within the first 2 hours postpartum | Measured within the first hours postpartum using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, which assesses five components: Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort (breast/nipple), and Hold (positioning).A low score indicates unsuccessful breastfeeding, while a high score indicates successful breastfeeding. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed