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Active, not recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07808840

Using Wet Towel During Labor

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

Active, not recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Labor Pain Comfort Labor Anxiety Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sakarya Training and Research Hospital

Adapazarı, Sakarya, 54050, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Pregnant women admitted to the delivery room for childbirth
  • Pregnant women without any risks
  • Pregnant women with sufficient language proficiency to communicate effectively
  • Women experiencing their first pregnancy

Exclusion criteria

  • Pregnant women admitted for a planned cesarean section
  • Pregnant women who do not agree to participate in the study

Treatment and study plan

Wet Towel

Other

A woman who has entered the active phase and is being treated will be safely escorted to the bathroom and prepared for the procedure. A clean towel will be placed over the woman's head and shoulders, and water at an appropriate temperature (approximately 36-38°C) will be directed in a slow stream from the showerhead onto the towel. The water flow will be adjusted so that it gently touches the head area through the towel, and the procedure will be continued for at least 10 minutes. During this process, the woman will be continuously monitored, her comfort and safety will be ensured, and the fetal heart rate will be monitored in accordance with institutional protocol. After the procedure is completed, the woman's head and shoulders will be dried, and she will be taken back to her room for further assessment.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: Before intervention and immediately after intervention during the active phase of labor.

    The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate the effect of wet towel application on labor pain intensity. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention.The primary outcome is labor pain intensity, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale before and after the intervention. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater labor pain intensity.

  2. Childbirth comfort level assessed by Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire

    Time frame: Before intervention and immediately after intervention.

    The effect of wet towel application on childbirth comfort levels will be evaluated using the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire before and after the intervention. Total scores range from 9 to 45, with higher scores indicating a higher level of childbirth comfort.

  3. Anxiety level during labor assessed by Anxiety Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women in Labor

    Time frame: Before intervention and immediately after intervention.

    The effect of wet towel application on anxiety levels during labor will be evaluated. Anxiety level during labor will be assessed using the Scale for Assessing the Anxiety Status of Pregnant Women in Labor before and after the intervention. The mean score ranges from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety during labor.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sakarya University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Wet Towel Application During Labor on Labor Pain, Comfort, and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 9, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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