Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
14:56
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Therapeutic showering in labor
1Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. mary.stark@wmich.edu
Clinical Nursing Research
|January 18, 2013
Summary
Therapeutic showering significantly reduced tension and anxiety while improving relaxation and coping during labor. This nonpharmacologic comfort measure offers a safe option for laboring women seeking pain relief and stress reduction.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Midwifery
- Pain Management
Background:
- Limited research exists on the effectiveness of showering as a coping strategy during labor.
- Showering is a commonly suggested, yet understudied, nonpharmacologic comfort measure for laboring women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic showering on pain, coping, tension, anxiety, relaxation, and fatigue during labor.
- To assess the impact of a 30-minute shower on various psychological and physical markers in women experiencing active labor.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, single-group design was employed.
- Twenty-four women with uncomplicated, term pregnancies in active labor participated.
- Participants underwent pretest measures before a 30-minute therapeutic shower, with freedom to choose comfortable positions.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in reported tension and anxiety were observed post-showering.
- Participants reported increased feelings of relaxation and improved coping abilities.
- No significant changes were noted in pain or fatigue levels, warranting further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic showering appears to be a safe and effective comfort measure for healthy laboring women experiencing tension, anxiety, or difficulty relaxing.
- This nonpharmacologic intervention shows promise in enhancing coping mechanisms during labor.
- Further research is recommended to explore maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with therapeutic showering.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
The history of therapeutic communication can be traced back to Florence Nightingale, who emphasized the importance of developing trusting relationships with patients. She taught that the presence of nurses with patients results in therapeutic healing.
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
01:30Therapeutic Communication
Communication is a lifelong learning process. Through therapeutic communication, nurses can collect relevant assessment data, provide education and counseling, and interact during nursing interventions. Sending and receiving messages occur through verbal and nonverbal communication techniques and can happen separately or simultaneously.
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...